- Psoralen And Ultraviolet A (PUVA)
PUVA [6] involves using a medication called psoralen to make the skin more receptive to ultraviolet A (UVA) treatment. Psoralen is taken as a tablet orally or administered topically on the skin. Following the use of this drug, your skin will be exposed to UVA. This wavelength of UV light is more penetrative than UVB.
Doctors often reserve this treatment for only serious cases of psoriasis that have failed to respond to other treatments. It causes temporary side effects, such as nausea, burning, itching, and headache. Other side effects, such as freckles, dry and wrinkled skin, and photosensitivity are more long-lasting. It is not recommended for long-term use because it increases the risk of melanoma. You also need to wear special glasses for 24 hours [7] after using the tablet so you do not develop cataracts.
- Combination
This involves mixing phototherapy with other treatment methods for better results. A combination treatment known as Goeckerman therapy [8] involves the use of coal tar along with UVB phototherapy. As is the case with PUVA, coal tar treatment makes the skin more receptive to UVB light.