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What is PUVA? PUVA or photochemotherapy is a type of ultraviolet radiation treatment (phototherapy) used for severe skin diseases. PUVA is a combination treatment which consists of Psoralens (P) and then exposing the skin to UVA (long wave ultraviolet radiation). It has been available in its present form since 1976.
PUVA (psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation) treatment has been used for decades to treat severe psoriasis. In this combination therapy, the psoralen, taken internally, acts as a skin sensitizer.The sensitized skin affected by psoriasis can then be treated by ultraviolet A radiation.UVA is also of benefit in treating vitiligo, mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma), and graft versus host disease. The most common form of therapy combines 8-methoxypsoralen taken by mouth followed 45-60 minutes later by exposure of the skin to UVA.