My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Eczema Health Center

Email a Friend

Print Article

Eczema Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet Light Therapy (PUVA) for Atopic Dermatitis

Psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) combines a type of medicine (psoralen) with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to treat atopic dermatitis. The psoralen 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).

Recommended Related to Eczema

Understanding Eczema -- Symptoms

Almost always, your skin will itch before a rash appears in eczema. Typically, eczema shows itself as: Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on the hands, neck, face, and legs, but it can occur anywhere. In children, the inner creases of the knees and elbows are often involved. If scratched, dry patches of skin and open sores with crusts may develop and may get infected.

Read the Understanding Eczema -- Symptoms article > >

A psoralen medicine is taken 1½ to 2 hours before exposure to UVA light. This treatment is repeated 2 to 3 times a week, and treatment length varies. The dose of medicine is not increased, but 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.
Other skin diseases getting worse.

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.

Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised	April 30, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 30, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.