Skinpatient.com  

  Skin conditions    Patient support groups  Product information             

These notes are intended to provide you with information about your treatment.  The entire notes should be read so that you are aware of the requirements on your part to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the therapy.  Any additional questions that you may have can be answered by your doctor, or pharmacist, or the clinic staff.

What is Hand and Foot  “PUVA” Therapy?

Hand and Foot PUVA involves soaking for 15 minutes in a Small amount of water containing the drug Psoralen which, after absorbtion, is ’activated’ by UVA light given in a strictly monitored dose. Several different skin diseases can be treated effectively with PUVA. The solution is prepared by the staff at the Phototherapy suite.

 What is the UVA Light?

Light is classified into many different wavelengths or parts. One part is known as ultraviolet light, a normal component of sunlight. Artificial light sources are now available that produce ultraviolet A.

What should you do before PUVA Therapy?

Please do not use any ointments or creams, perfumed soaps or toiletries immediately before coming for treatment. Do not use Coal Tar preparations for at least 24 hours prior to PUVA. This is because some perfumes and medicines contain chemicals which increase light sensitivity, and might lead to a “sunburn effect" following PUVA treatment. They may also affect the absorption of the Psoralen into the skin.

 Also, some medical conditions can be aggravated by PUVA. Before starting therapy, be sure to tell your doctor, or the clinic staff, if you :­

 1)         have had a severe reaction to puvasoralen in the past.

2)         have had recent radiotherapy treatment or are planning any.

            (This does not mean x-rays for diagnosis).

3)         have, or ever had, skin cancer.

 4)         have any medical condition that requires you to stay out of the sun

5)         are using any topical creams or ointments or are taking ANY medicines (either prescription or bought over the counter). We are happy to check that they are suitable to use in conjunction with your PUVA treatment.

 6)         Before you start your PUVA therapy you may be asked to have some blood tests.                These may be repeated during your treatment.

What special precautions should you take?      

1)         Skin protection - Do not expose PUVA treated. skin to sunlight or sun lamps for 24  hours after treatment, e.g. avoid sitting near a window as UVA will pass through glass; wear gloves whilst driving the car.

 2)         Apply a sunblock/ high SPF suncream to sun exposed skin before leaving the                           department e.g. face and hands.

 3)        Tell the doctor or PUVA clinic staff if you are prescribed ANY medicines or wish to              start taking any medication during your course of PUVA therapy.

 How long will the treatment last?

 It may take several weeks before your skin condition improves. You may need prolonged PUVA treatment to maintain the improvement.  Please remember that it is important to attend regularly.

What are the risks of PUVA therapy?

 The risks and benefits of PUVA will already have been discussed at clinic before you begin therapy,

but if you wish to discuss them further please ask the doctor or clinic staff.

 What are the possible side- effects?

 Tenderness or blistering of the skin may occur, but can be helped by products recommended by your doctor, pharmacist or clinical staff.  It is usual to experience slight reddening and/ or itchiness of the skin during the two or three days following treatment, but it is important to contact your doctor or PUVA clinic, if any side effect is severe or bothers you at any stage.

 Instructions for Hand and Foot Soaking

1)   Remove socks and shoes if treating feet.

2)  Put hands and/or feet into prepared bowl of solution. Agitate water gently from time to time.

3)  The nurse will start timer for a certain no of minutes. At the end of soak pat hands/feet dry with blue  paper  towel provided.

4)  Please make sure that the nurse provides you with your protective goggles in readiness for  the light therapy.

   Treatment will then be given for the light therapy.

 Hands/feet will need to be washed thoroughly to remove all traces of Psoralen after the soak.

  Then apply sunblock to the hands and emollient to the feet before leaving the department.

What else should you know?

1) Remember that the drug has been prescribed specifically for YOU and YOUR diagnosed condition. Do not use the drug for any other condition nor give the drug to others even if they have similar symptoms.

2)  There are self-help groups for some of the conditions we treat - please ask for details.

3)      ALWAYS KEEP THIS DRUG AND ALL OTHER DRUGS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

PUVA Psoralen is phototoxic (that is, it makes skin much more sensitive to light) - ask for immediate help if spilled on skin.