PUVA

Medical abbreviation · Dermatology

PUVA stands for Psoralen plus ultraviolet A, a dermatology abbreviation.

Phototherapy combining a light-sensitizing psoralen drug, taken by mouth or applied to the skin, with ultraviolet A exposure. It is effective for psoriasis, vitiligo and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma but increases the long-term risk of skin cancer.

Example: Palmoplantar psoriasis; topical PUVA soaks twice weekly.

Usage notes

Long-term studies linked high cumulative PUVA exposure to more squamous cell carcinoma and, later, melanoma, so narrowband UVB is now preferred for most patients. Patients wear UVA-blocking eyewear for the rest of the treatment day after oral psoralen. Pronounced "POO-vah".

Related abbreviations

More dermatology abbreviations

• NMSC – Nonmelanoma skin cancer
• PASI – Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
• PDT – Photodynamic therapy
• PIH – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• PR – Pityriasis rosea
• PsO – Psoriasis
• PV – Pemphigus vulgaris
• SCC – Squamous cell carcinoma
• SD – Seborrheic dermatitis
• SJS – Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• SK – Seborrheic keratosis
• SPF – Sun protection factor

See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.