Leaflet Details
| Title | PUVA Gel Treatment |
| Department | Dermatology |
| Author(s) | Dermatology Team |
| Review Date | November 2022 |
| Next Review | November 2024 |
| Download | A4 Tri-fold PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
PUVA Psoralen 0.005% Gel
Read all the information carefully before using this medication.
1. What PUVA treatment is and what it is used for.
- PUVA Gel is a plant-derived compound which when applied makes the skin more sensitive to light. PUVA Gel is used to treat skin disorders effecting localized areas on body and scalp.
- Psoralens increase skin sensitivity to long wave UV A light.
- PUVA treatment is the combination of psoralen Gel (Psorlens) and then exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) light and the A is for the waveband, hence the name PUVA.
2. Before you use PUVA psoralen Gel and start PUVA treatment.
DO NOT USE PUVA Psoralen Gel treatment if the following applies to you:
- You are allergic to the active ingredients.
- You have ever had skin cancer.
- You have or ever had porphyria (an enzyme deficiency) which can cause skin damage.
- PUVA psoralen Gel must not be used by pregnant women. If you suspect you are pregnant or you’re trying to start a family inform the consultant of this before commencing on the treatment.
- It is unknown if Psoralen is passed into breast milk so we advise not to breast feed while having PUVA treatment.
- Some medications can cause light sensitivity. If you have any new medications from your GP or over the counter please tell them you are having light treatment, you should also report this to the nurse on your next appointment. One of the common medications is Ibuprofen.
3. How PUVA treatment is conducted
- The dermatologist will advise you of your treatment, the consultant will also perform a routine blood test.
- A thin even layer (never thickly applied as this can cause burning or blistering) of PUVA psoralen Gel applied to the affected area and left between 15-30 minutes.
- You will be fully clothed apart from the area which is affected.
- Then the area is treated with PUVA light.
- Normally there are 30 treatments per course but this can vary.
- PUVA treatment should only be used twice a week with an interval of 48 hours as any reaction may not be evident for 48 hours after exposure.
- After your treatment it is important to cover the area with clothing, so as not to expose the area to sunlight.
4. Possible side effects
- Redness of skin / blistering.
- Itching of skin.
Long term sun exposure along with prolonged use of PUVA treatment can be a risk of the development of skin cancer. The amount of treatment is limited to minimize the risk of skin cancers. Always report to the nurse if you have had a burn or any other side effects you feel could be due to this treatment.
Additional Information
If you have any queries regarding the contents of this leaflet, please contact the Dermatology department at St Peter’s Hospital:
Telephone:
01932 723322 or 01932 722298
