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oral psoralen & ultraviolet (UV) A light (PUVA)
Combination treatment of ingestion of psoralen followed by exposure of the skin to UV-A light. It is most commonly used in treatment of psoriasis, but is useful for treatment of various dermatoses.
Indications:
1) psoriasis
2) polymorphous light eruption
3) lichen planus
4) mycosis fungoides
5) urticaria pigmentosa
6) vitiligo
Adverse effects:
1) minimal systemic adverse effects, well tolerated
2) increased risk (> 12 times) of dermatologic malignancy (squamous cell carcinoma) with long-term use
Related
lichen planus
mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome
polymorphous light eruption (PMLE)
psoriasis
urticaria pigmentosa (UP)
vitiligo
General
pharmacologic combination
photochemotherapy; radiochemotherapy
References
- Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed),
WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 948
- Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed)
Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 165
Components
psoralen
UV-A radiation