psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy

Definition / meaning of psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy

A type of photodynamic therapy used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin nodules of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The patient receives psoralen (a drug that becomes active when it is exposed to light) by mouth or applied to the skin, followed by ultraviolet A radiation. Psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy may increase the risk of getting skin cancer. Also called PUVA therapy.

Listed under:

Find More About 'psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy'

Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

Leave a Comment