What is Photochemotherapy used for?
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).
How long does PUVA treatment last?
Light treatment is given 2-3 times per week for 12-15 weeks. It is never given on two consecutive days. After completion of a PUVA course, maintenance therapy is often required once a week. Nausea from the pills is most common reason for stopping the treatment.
What is psoralen used for?
Psoralens are a group of photosensitizing drugs which are ineffective when used alone, but in combination with UVR provide an effective tool for the treatment of psoriasis and a number of other photoresponsive skin disorders e.g. vitiligo and mycosis fungoides.
How do you use Brightwand?
Answer: 3 to 5 times every week, irradiation every two days, for 2 to 3 months. Then pause treatment for 2 weeks. Continued use can be resumed as a repeat to this first frequency.
Is Photochemotherapy chemotherapy?
11.10 UVB phototherapy, psoralen plus UVA photochemotherapy (PUVA) For treating psoriasis, UVB phototherapy and PUVA are effective treatments that permit rapid control of the disease, but their side effects are similar to those of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
How do you use PUVA?
PUVA is a combination treatment consisting of taking a drug PSORALEN (P) and then exposing the skin to long-wave ultra- violet light (UVA) – hence the term PUVA. Psoralen is a drug that makes the skin temporarily sensitive to UVA. It may be taken as pills by mouth or by applying it directly to the skin.
How much does PUVA treatment cost?
Phototherapy
| Cost of Phototherapy, Systemic Therapy, and Biologic Therapy*22 | Annual Per Patient Cost | Annual Cost Per Successful Treatment** |
|---|---|---|
| UVB | $3600 | $5100 |
| UVA | $4600 | $5700 |
How do you do PUVA?
It may be taken as pills by mouth or by applying it directly to the skin. The ultra-violet light is emitted by special fluorescent light tubes. These are only available in certain hospitals so patients have to travel to hospital for PUVA treatment, usually twice weekly.
Is PUVA chemotherapy?
PUVA Therapy Overview PUVA refers to the interaction of long wavelength ultraviolet light (320-400 nm) with a pharmaceutical molecule of plant origin, psoralen, producing a type of “photodynamic chemotherapy.” PUVA is useful in treating a number of human diseases.
What type of drug is psoralen?
Furanocoumarin
Organic compound
Psoralen/Classification
What is a Brightwand?
The Brightwand Compact UV Light Therapy Lamp for the treatment of Psoriasis and other skin conditions. Narrow band UVB light treatment is targeted UVB light spectrum which minimizes the development of psoriasis, lesions, or re-pigmentation of one’s normal skin coloring.
Does phototherapy work for scalp psoriasis?
Research indicates it is a particularly effective treatment for scalp psoriasis. However, there is not yet enough long-term data to indicate how long improvements will last following a course of laser therapy. Treating psoriasis with home UVB phototherapy can be an economical and convenient choice.