HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Psoralen and UVA Light Therapy (PUVA) for Psoriasis
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Psoralen medicines are available as pills, lotions, or bath salts. A psoralen medicine is taken 1½ to 2 hours before you are exposed to Reference ultraviolet A (UVA) light Opens New Window (PUVA). This treatment is repeated 2 to 3 times a week. The dose of medicine is not increased, but the amount of light may be increased.
Goggles should be worn to protect eyes during UVA treatment. Special UVA-blocking glasses should be worn for 24 hours after PUVA therapy. Men should protect their genitals from UVA exposure during treatments.
Psoralens may also be used in a form that can be put into your bath water. This form causes greater sensitivity to UVA than the oral medicine, so lower doses of UVA can be used.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 9, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
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