Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Psoralen and UVA light therapy (PUVA) for psoriasis
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| methoxsalen |
Psoralen medicines are available as pills, lotions, or bath salts. A psoralen medicine is taken 1½ to 2 hours before you are exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light (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: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 6, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Care Finder
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network