Psoralen Ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy is a medical treatment used for various skin conditions, particularly those that involve cell overgrowth or inflammation. It combines the use of psoralen, a drug that increases the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light, and exposure to UVA radiation.
Psoralen is a photosensitizing medication that may be taken orally or applied topically to the skin. It works by binding to DNA in the skin cells, making them more susceptible to the effects of UVA light. UVA radiation is a longer wavelength of UV light that can penetrate deep into the skin.
During PUVA therapy, patients take or apply psoralen and then undergo UVA light exposure, usually through a specialized light box or in a UVA radiation booth. This treatment is typically performed in a medical setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
PUVA therapy is commonly used to address skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and mycosis fungoides (a type of lymphoma). The UVA light exposure helps to reduce excessive cell growth and decrease inflammation, resulting in improved symptoms and skin appearance. The exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood, but it is believed that PUVA therapy works by inhibiting cell division and modulating the immune response in the skin.
Although PUVA therapy can be effective, it also carries some potential risks and side effects, including skin burns, accelerated aging of the skin, increased risk of skin cancer, and potential liver damage in cases of oral psoralen use. Therefore, it is important that this treatment is carried out under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can monitor the patient's response and minimize any potential complications.
