How effective is PUVA therapy for psoriasis?

PUVA uses a light-sensitising medicine followed by measured UVA exposure. This combination slows overactive skin-cell activity and can calm inflammation, helping thick plaques become flatter and less scaly. It is considered when the distribution or persistence of psoriasis makes other approaches unsuitable, or when a specialist believes it fits the treatment history. Sessions are repeated according to a prescribed schedule, with exposure adjusted for your skin response. Clearing is not necessarily lasting: psoriasis is a long-term condition, and plaques may return after treatment stops. See the [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) page for broader condition information.

Tell your clinician about medicines, eye conditions, liver disease, previous skin cancers, and any tendency to burn in sunlight. Take the prescribed sensitising medicine at the correct time and use protective eyewear as directed. Avoid unplanned sunlight and extra tanning exposure, which can increase burning risk. Attend consistently so dose changes can be made safely, and report redness that lasts, tenderness, blistering, or worsening itch. Moisturiser may help scale and dryness, but use products around treatment only as your team recommends. Read more about the treatment process in [PUVA Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/puva-therapy/).

Contact the clinic for painful redness, blistering, severe swelling, eye pain, or changes in vision after treatment. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or rapidly worsening skin with fever.

Why is PUVA suitable for my psoriasis? What improvement will we measure? Which medicines should I pause or disclose, and what is the plan if plaques return?