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The Curious Bag
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According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. When excess cells accumulate on the skin surface, they create dry, itchy red patches and thick silvery scales. PUVA light therapy, or phototherapy, can help relieve symptoms of psoriasis, as well as other severe skin disorders.
Identification
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends various forms of light therapy for people with moderate to severe psoriasis. When ultraviolet light A is used for this therapy, the acronym is UVA.
Features
UVA is not very effective against psoriasis unless it is used in conjunction with a light-sensitizing medication known as psoralen. This combined phototherapy is known as psoralen + UVA, or PUVA.
Effects
Psoralen is available in pill form, or in an ointment that's applied directly to the skin. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, psoralen sensitizes the skin to the UVA.
Process
During a PUVA session, the individual being treated stands in a tall, narrow light box for 1 to 10 minutes. These sessions typically occur in a dermatologist's office 2 to 3 times a week for 12 to 15 weeks.
Considerations
Some patients require maintenance PUVA therapy once a week in addition to the regularly scheduled treatments.
Source:
National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating Psoriasis
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Phototherapy (PUVA)
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