Photochemotherapy (PUVA) for atopic dermatitis

Treatment Overview

Photochemotherapy, or PUVA, is a combination of ultraviolet A (UVA) light therapy and a psoralen medication, which makes the skin more sensitive to the ultraviolet light. PUVA can be an effective treatment for severe atopic dermatitis.

Examples of psoralens include methoxsalen (Oxsoralen) and trioxsalen (Trisoralen).

A psoralen medication is taken 1½ to 2 hours before exposure to UVA light. This treatment is repeated 2 to 3 times a week; treatment length varies. While the dose of medication is not increased, the amount of light can be increased.

During photochemotherapy, you stand in a booth that contains light tubes that give off UV light. Goggles should be worn to protect your eyes during treatment. Men need to shield their genitals to avoid an increased risk of genital cancer.

What To Expect After Treatment

As your skin recovers from treatment, it should be checked frequently (at least once or twice a year) for signs of damage or skin cancer.

Why It Is Done

PUVA is usually only used for adults with severe and hard-to-treat cases of atopic dermatitis. It generally is not recommended for children.

How Well It Works

PUVA is effective in managing hard-to-treat atopic dermatitis.

Risks

Risks related to PUVA treatment include:

• Skin cancer and cancer. Exposure to UV light may result in skin cancer. The male genitals are highly susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of UV therapy.
• Skin damage. Exposure to UV light may lead to sunburn and skin damage.
• Cataracts. The risk of cataracts can be reduced by regular use of sunglasses that block UV light when outdoors.
• Worsening of other skin diseases.

What To Think About

Because of the side effects, PUVA is not generally recommended for children unless all other treatment fails to control severe atopic dermatitis.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
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