What to expect from PUVA therapy for psoriasis

The clinician checks your plaques, asks about recent sun exposure and medicines, and sets the light dose for your skin. Depending on the plan, the sensitiser is swallowed or applied to selected areas before ultraviolet A exposure. You may stand in a treatment cabinet or receive focused treatment to limited areas. The light dose is increased or adjusted only when your skin response allows. Sessions are spaced according to your plan, and the team looks for changes in scaling, thickness, redness, irritation, and new areas of psoriasis. PUVA is not suitable for every person or every pattern of psoriasis.

Give the clinic a complete list of medicines, supplements, and creams because some can increase light sensitivity. Follow instructions about when to take the sensitiser and wear protective eyewear when told. Avoid additional sun or tanning exposure around treatment, and cover areas that are not being treated if instructed. Use bland moisturiser for dryness and do not scratch or peel plaques. Keep each appointment so the next exposure can reflect your recent response. Tell the team if you develop unexpected redness, burning, blisters, or eye symptoms.

Call the clinic if treated skin becomes severely painful, intensely red, blistered, or swollen, or if a reaction continues to worsen after the session. Urgent assessment is appropriate for vision changes, severe eye pain, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. Report a sudden widespread flare, fever, or signs of infection such as pus and increasing warmth.

Ask why PUVA is being considered for your psoriasis, which areas will be treated, how eye and sun protection should be managed, how response will be judged, and what other options are available.