Puva Therapy

For severe psoriasis or disabling that does not respond to treatment ultraviolet B (which I mentioned in my previous article), PUVA therapy may be considered. It stands for psoralen ultraviolet light type treatment.

Here, ultraviolet light, long wave is used in combination with oral medication called psoralen to improve the sensitivity of the skin-type light. Ideal candidates are those with large plaque psoriasis affecting 30 percent or more of the body. Older patients may also benefit from PUVA therapy.

As in treatment of type B, the first exhibition with PUVA may take a few minutes and gradually increased until the skin returns to normal. An average of 30 treatments are usually needed to clear psoriasis, but it may exceed depending on the patient's condition. Clearance can take from several months to two or three years.

"The treatments are usually three times a week, but the schedule may vary according to the doctor. PUVA will produce a temporary redness (or redness) which will evolve into a deep rich Tan. PUVA erythema produced by only not peak until 48 hours and can be as late as 96 hours after treatment. For this reason, PUVA treatment are generally not given on two consecutive days. Doctors sometimes use strong steroids at the end of treatment to facilitate the passage of a few stubborn lesions to avoid prolonged exposure to PUVA, said the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) in Portland, Oregon

Much more effective in clearing severe psoriasis, PUVA poses greater risks than UVB and should not be used by children, adolescents, pregnant women, people with heart problems, high blood pressure or eye problems, and those with history of skin cancer.

Common side effects are nausea, itching and redness of the skin. Some may suffer from depression, dizziness, insomnia, headache, nervousness, cramps leg, pain and prostate. The long-term risks of PUVA include skin cancer, freckles, cataracts and premature aging.

This is most likely to occur in fair skinned people who receive treatment at high doses - those that exceed 159 after five years. PUVA therapy with low dose does not vulnerable to these problems.

To reduce the risks associated with PUVA therapy, your doctor may turn therapies, that is, the use of other treatments once the psoriasis has been cleared by PUVA. goggles should be worn 24 hours after PUVA therapy for preventing the formation of cataracts. Sunglasses trading can not be adapted for this purpose.

"PUVA involves risks that must be understood. The long-term use will probably lead to some type of permanent skin changes and skin cancer can occur. Side effects can be minimized, however, thanks to the prudent use of the therapy and understanding of safety procedures to follow while on treatment, "the DFO said. (Next: psoriasis Deadly.)

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