If you’ve heard doctors mention "light therapy" and wondered if it’s just a fancy spa treatment, you’re not alone. Photochemotherapy, often called PUVA, mixes a light‑sensitive drug with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to treat skin disorders. It’s a real medical tool, not a beauty trend, and it’s been helping people manage tough conditions for decades.
The process starts with a medication called a psoralen. You either swallow a pill or apply a cream, and the drug makes your skin more responsive to UVA light. About an hour later, a clinician shines a controlled UVA beam onto the affected area. The light activates the psoralen, which then slows down the rapid skin cell growth that causes issues like psoriasis or vitiligo.
Think of it like priming a firecracker: the psoralen gets everything ready, and the UVA light triggers the reaction. Because the doctor controls the dose of both the drug and the light, the treatment can be fine‑tuned to each person’s needs.
Photochemotherapy is most common for stubborn plaque psoriasis, but it’s also used for vitiligo, eczema, and a type of skin cancer called cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma. If topical creams or standard UVB therapy haven’t helped, PUVA becomes a strong next step.
During a typical session, you’ll take the psoralen, wait for it to be absorbed, then sit under the UVA lamp for a few minutes. The whole thing takes under 30 minutes. Most patients need multiple sessions—usually two to three times a week—for several weeks before seeing major improvement.
Side effects are generally mild at first: skin may turn pink or slightly sunburned, and you might feel a little itchy. Longer‑term risks include a higher chance of skin aging and a small increase in skin cancer risk, especially if you’ve had many treatments. That’s why doctors limit the total number of sessions and monitor skin health closely.
Practical tips can make the experience smoother. Wear UV‑protective goggles every time—you’ll need them to protect your eyes from the UVA light. After each session, apply a gentle moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and avoid harsh soaps for a day or two. If you’re on oral psoralen, avoid alcohol for a few hours because it can boost side‑effects.
Finally, keep a treatment diary. Note the date, dose of psoralen, light exposure time, and any reactions you notice. This record helps your dermatologist adjust the plan and catch any issues early.
Photochemotherapy isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all solution, but for many it offers real relief when other options fall short. If you think it might be right for you, talk to a dermatologist who can explain the risks, set up a safe treatment schedule, and help you decide if PUVA fits your health goals.