Q: Which doctors prescribe PUVA therapy?
A: PUVA treatment is usually prescribed by skin specialists.
Q: How is Photochemotherapy used in the treatment of psoriasis?
A: Psoriasis is a common skin disease that results in the formation of thick plaques on the skin. PUVA is usually given to those patients who have severe psoriasis or those who do not respond to other treatment options. It is effective in clearing psoriasis in most cases, though it is not a permanent cure.
The first few treatments are of a short duration (under 3 minutes) and are scheduled twice a week. Depending on the body’s response to the therapy, the frequency and duration of treatment is adjusted. Most patients with psoriasis respond within 6 to 8 weeks, following which the PUVA therapy is then stopped. However, the psoriasis may flare-up again after a few months, and PUVA treatment can be repeated.
Q: What is the Cost of PUVA treatment?
A: The cost of the treatment varies from hospital to hospital. The total cost of medicines and number of phototherapy sessions needed vary with the severity and extent of the disease. The cost also varies with the type of procedure undertaken. Your treating dermatologist can give you the best estimate of your expenses after a careful assessment.
Q: Can sunlight be used for PUVA therapy?
A: Sunlight can be used instead of ultraviolet light if facilities to administer the light therapy are not available. However, unlike the ultraviolet light therapy administered in a hospital, the dose of the sunlight cannot be controlled, and it is unpredictable.
