What is PUVA?
PUVA stands for Psoralen and UV-A phototherapy and is a variant of light therapy. Here, psoralen, a natural substance found in essential oils of various plants, sensitizes the skin and makes it more sensitive to the subsequent UV-A irradiation. There are two forms:
Topical PUVA therapy
Systemic PUVA therapy
In systemic PUVA therapy, psoralen is distributed over the entire body. For this purpose, the patient takes psoralen tablets two hours before the UV-A irradiation.
When do you do PUVA?
What do you do with a PUVA?
What are the risks of PUVA?
PUVA is a very effective but also intensive light therapy. Skin and eyes should be specially protected during and after treatment due to the following risks:
- possible carcinogenic effect due to the UV light
- phototoxic reaction – a kind of sunburn due to the increased sensitivity to light
- light aging of the skin
- sunburns
- conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation (keratitis)
- Liver spots (lentigines)
The skin is still very sensitive for about three to four hours with topical PUVA and for at least twelve hours with systemic PUVA due to the psoralen. Consistent skin protection and the wearing of protective goggles against UV radiation are necessary after treatment, even in closed rooms, as UV light can also penetrate through window glass.
