PUVA Therapy In HRBR Layout

PUVA therapy is a powerful treatment that combines medication and light to help various skin conditions. Here’s how it works: You take a medicine called Psoralen and then about an hour later, you’re exposed to Ultraviolet A (UVA) light.

This treatment has both old roots and new developments. Psoralens are natural chemicals found in some plant seeds. For over 2,000 years, people in India and the Middle East have used teas made from these seeds and sunlight to treat skin problems.

Killing of Cells in Skin

Some skin problems happen because cells from our body’s defense system (the immune system) are growing too fast or behaving incorrectly. PUVA Therapy in HRBR Layout can kill these troublemaking cells without hurting our normal immunity. This helps with diseases like psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, hair loss (alopecia), and skin cancer called mycosis fungoides.

Making Skin More Resistant to Sunlight

PUVA therapy makes your skin darker (more pigmented) and thicker. This helps protect your skin from sunlight by stopping so much ultraviolet light from getting deep into your skin. This is how PUVA helps people who are extra sensitive to sunlight, like those with polymorphous light eruption or solar urticaria. It also helps with vitiligo, but in this case, PUVA might also be changing how immune cells work.

ELEMENTS OF PUVA TREATMENT: UVA LIGHT

Sunlight is made up of different types of energy called electromagnetic radiation. This includes everything from cosmic rays to radio waves. Ultraviolet light has shorter waves than visible light (the light we can see). It’s called ultraviolet because it’s just beyond the violet end of visible light.

Ultraviolet light comes in three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC doesn’t reach Earth because it’s blocked by the ozone layer in our atmosphere. UVB does reach us and is what causes sunburns and tans.

UVA light also reaches Earth and has the longest waves of ultraviolet light. Usually, UVA from sunlight doesn’t cause any big changes to our skin in the short term.

ELEMENTS OF PUVA TREATMENT: PSORALENS

Psoralens are special compounds that become active when exposed to UVA light. If psoralens are in your skin when you’re exposed to UVA light, they make the light affect your skin much more. This increased sensitivity is why PUVA treatment works so well for skin problems.

It’s important to know that psoralens alone don’t do anything to your skin or skin problems. Also, most UVA light sources alone don’t change your skin much or help with skin problems.

The psoralen most often used in PUVA treatment is called methoxsalen. Its brand name is Oxsoralen Ultra, and it comes in 10 mg capsules.

THE TREATMENT

PUVA therapy is a carefully planned process that combines medication and light exposure. Here’s a more extensive explanation of how it works:

Taking the Medication: You’ll start by taking the psoralen medication, usually methoxsalen. This is typically done about 1-2 hours before your light treatment. The exact timing can vary, so it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions.
Preparing for Light Exposure: After taking the medication, you’ll need to protect your skin from sunlight. This is because the psoralen makes your skin very sensitive to light. You might be asked to wear protective clothing or stay indoors until your treatment.
Light Treatment: When it’s time for your treatment, you’ll go into a special light booth. This booth has UVA lights all around it. You’ll stand in the booth for a specific amount of time, which your doctor will determine based on your skin type and condition.
Protective Measures: During the treatment, you’ll wear special goggles to protect your eyes. You might also use sunscreen on areas that don’t need treatment, like your face or genitals.
After Treatment: Once your light exposure is done, you’ll need to continue protecting your skin from sunlight for the rest of the day. This usually means wearing protective clothing and sunscreen if you go outside.
Frequency: PUVA treatments are usually given 2-3 times a week. The number of treatments you need will depend on your specific condition and how well you respond to the therapy.
Monitoring: Throughout your treatment, your doctor will closely monitor your progress. They’ll check how your skin is responding and may adjust your treatment as needed.

It’s important to remember that while PUVA can be very effective, it’s not right for everyone. Your doctor will consider your overall health, any medications you’re taking, and your specific skin condition before recommending PUVA therapy.

Also, like all treatments, PUVA can have side effects. These can include nausea from the medication, redness or itching of the skin. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you and help you weigh them against the potential benefits of the treatment.

PUVA Therapy in HRBR Layout represents a significant advance in dermatology, offering hope for many people with difficult-to-treat skin conditions. However, it’s a complex treatment that requires careful management by experienced healthcare professionals. Always follow your doctor’s instructions closely to get the most benefit from PUVA therapy while minimizing potential risks.

PUVA therapy consists of taking psoralen and then being exposed to UVA light for an hour. The dose of psoralen you take is determined by your weight and remains constant throughout your treatment. The interval between taking psoralen and being exposed to light is also kept constant because peak levels of psoralen in the skin are usually reached between one and two hours after ingestion. For instance, if you take your Oxsoralen (methoxsalen) capsules at 11 a.m., you should aim to be treated at noon and certainly before 1 p.m. It’s important to take the capsules with water and, in general, avoid eating until after the treatment to ensure optimal absorption.

The treatment’s variable is the amount of UVA light you receive. Your initial dose is usually minimal, and it is established by either your history of sunburn and tanning or by testing your reaction to PUVA. As your tolerance to the treatment increases, the dose of UVA light is gradually increased in subsequent treatments. This gradual increase allows your skin to adapt to the therapy while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.

The dose of UVA light is measured using a specialized meter in joules per square centimeter, which represents an amount of energy. This measurement is then translated into a specific number of minutes for your treatment. It’s important to note that the output of the treatment units can vary over time, and different units may emit different amounts of energy. As a result, even if your prescribed dose of UVA light remains constant, the actual time for your treatment may vary from day to day. This variability underscores the importance of regular calibration and monitoring of the treatment equipment.

PUVA Therapy in HRBR Layout Treatment frequency typically ranges from 2-4 times each week until your skin condition has cleared. Once clearance is achieved, less frequent treatment may be necessary to maintain this clear state. The duration and frequency of maintenance treatments can vary depending on individual response and the specific skin condition being treated.