PUVA-induced phototoxicity: incidence and causes.

BACKGROUND

Phototoxicity is the most significant short-term adverse effect of PUVA therapy.

OBJECTIVE

We attempted to determine the incidence and possible causes of phototoxicity of sufficient degree to cause interruption of treatment.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of 16,506 PUVA treatments given to 414 patients in two treatment centers.

RESULTS

Phototoxicity occurred in 10.9% of patients and was an adverse effect in 0.3% of treatments. Problems with the treatment protocol were the main cause.

CONCLUSION

Phototoxicity is a common adverse effect, and patients should be warned of this potential occurrence. Awareness of the causes may help to reduce the incidence of this problem.