ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet (UV) light comprises a small proportion of sunlight and is therapeutically useful in various dermatological conditions, especially vitiligo. UV-based therapies are mainly divided into two types: photochemotherapy (psoralen with UVA [PUVA]) and phototherapy (narrow-band UVB [NB-UVB] and 308-nm excimer laser). Photochemotherapy refers to the use of psoralens along with long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. It is mainly of two types: PUVA and PUVAsol (psoralen with sunlight as the source of UVA rays). There are also a few modifications of PUVA therapy, including bath PUVA, bathing suit PUVA, and soak PUVA. PUVA therapy is only moderately effective in widespread vitiligo and rarely achieves extensive repigmentation that is cosmetically acceptable, and there is a high relapse rate after therapy. This chapter reviews the role of photochemotherapy in vitiligo based on the current literature.
