HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Want To Know About Puva Therapy For Psoriasis

Hello Sir, Im Suffering with Psoriasis from last 4 years, Now i came to know about laser treatment called Puva therapy , So i would like to know about Puva therapy and costing of this treatment. Thanks&Regards Sandeep
Mon, 5 Nov 2012
Report Abuse
Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi Sandeep,
firstly PUVA therapy is not a LASER therapy. It is a Ultraviolet A based photochemotherapy where in patient is advised to take a tab of psoralen followed by exposure of UV A lights in a closed chamber. It is a good treatment however having side effects. So again now doctors prefer giving narrow band ultraviolet b therapy. It is again exposure of ultraviolet B lights in a closed chamber and no drug is taken(psoralens) prior to light exposure. Practically it is devoid of many side effects commonly seen with Puva and therefore considered more efficacious and better than Puva. These therapies are given 2-3 times in a week on alternate days. Psoriasis can be managed with topical and oral medicines. We prefer light based therapy only if disease is generalised or refractory to medicines. In your case the modality can only be decided after determining the severity and extent of lesions. Persistence of few lesions or recurrence of psoriasis every year doesnt indicate that you need to go for light based tharapies. TAke care
I find this answer helpful

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Light therapy


Loading Online Doctors....
Want To Know About Puva Therapy For Psoriasis

Hi Sandeep, firstly PUVA therapy is not a LASER therapy. It is a Ultraviolet A based photochemotherapy where in patient is advised to take a tab of psoralen followed by exposure of UV A lights in a closed chamber. It is a good treatment however having side effects. So again now doctors prefer giving narrow band ultraviolet b therapy. It is again exposure of ultraviolet B lights in a closed chamber and no drug is taken(psoralens) prior to light exposure. Practically it is devoid of many side effects commonly seen with Puva and therefore considered more efficacious and better than Puva. These therapies are given 2-3 times in a week on alternate days. Psoriasis can be managed with topical and oral medicines. We prefer light based therapy only if disease is generalised or refractory to medicines. In your case the modality can only be decided after determining the severity and extent of lesions. Persistence of few lesions or recurrence of psoriasis every year doesnt indicate that you need to go for light based tharapies. TAke care