PUVA therapy: modern technologies against psoriasis and vitiligo

Technological progress has affected almost every area of ​​human life. Thanks to modern technology, science and medicine have been able to step far ahead. The emergence of many hardware techniques has significantly improved the quality of medical services and expanded the range of opportunities for specialists. For example, technologies based on exposure to light rays are currently being used to treat dermatological pathologies. Today estet-portal.com talks about one of the varieties of phototherapy – PUVA therapy and its application in the treatment of skin diseases.

PUVA therapy – effective method of phototherapy

PUVA therapy or photochemotherapy – it is one of the methods of phototherapy, which involves the use of a photoactive substance in combination with irradiation of the skin with long-wave ultraviolet radiation.

The abbreviation PUVA stands for P – psoralen, HC – ultraviolet rays, A – long-wave spectrum of electromagnetic rays.

In world practice, PUVA therapy is used to treat such common pathologies as psoriasis, vitiligo and many other skin diseases. The technique involves exposing the skin to soft ultraviolet rays in the long wave range against the background of drug photosensitizers, which cause increased susceptibility to UV radiation.

PUVA Therapy:

• Mechanism of action of PUVA therapy: combination of psoralens and UV rays;
• use of PUVA therapy for the treatment of psoriasis;
• use of PUVA therapy for the treatment of vitiligo.

The mechanism of action of PUVA therapy: the combination of psoralens and UV rays

The mechanism of action of PUVA therapy lies in the active work of its two components. Photosensitizers or psoralens are activated in the body only under the influence of long-wave ultraviolet rays, which have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and immunomodulatory effects, and also stimulate melanin synthesis in the skin. Activated psoralens interact with the DNA of epidermal cells, and form cross-links in them with a change in structure.  As a result, the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids is suppressed, which is the main reason for the inhibition of cell growth. The photosensitizer molecules contribute to the formation of reactive oxygen species, which damages the membranes of epidermal cells, and also triggers photochemical processes,

Use of PUVA therapy for the treatment of psoriasis

PUVA therapy for

psoriasis may be indicated in cases where severe or widespread pathology is observed (more than 20% of the body is affected), for example:

plaque common form;
erythrodermic form;
pustular form;
hand-foot form.

This type of phototherapy can be used at any stage of the disease, including in  progressive. The number and frequency of sessions is determined depending on the nature of the disease, its course and other individual characteristics. On average, 20 to 30 sessions may be needed, at a frequency of 3-4 times a week.

Use of PUVA therapy for the treatment of vitiligo

Many experts consider PUVA therapy the method of choice for

treatment of vitiligo, since the combined use of ultraviolet rays and photosensitizing drugs increases the synthesis of melanin in the skin, which makes it possible to achieve even skin pigmentation. The duration of treatment depends on the prevalence of the pathology: with a small number of depigmentation spots or their presence in limited areas, photochemotherapy is carried out for 1-2 weeks. If more than 20% of the skin is affected – a long-term systemic method of treatment is used (100-150 procedures).

PUVA therapy – This is a modern method of phototherapy that can effectively eliminate complex skin diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo and many others.

A highly qualified specialist who has the knowledge and skills necessary for this technique can easily help his patients. estet-portal.com thanks you for your attention.

See also:

"Light-based Therapies: Applications in Aesthetic Medicine".