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Updated: May 18, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Severe burn injuries induced by PUVA chemotherapy
Daniel J Tilkorn1, Angela Schaffran, Sammy Al-Benna
1Burn Center, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Summary
Severe burns from Psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy are a serious complication. These PUVA burns, often due to incorrect handling, can heal without surgery, emphasizing patient education and careful dosing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
- Burn Management
Background:
- Psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy is a standard treatment for various skin conditions.
- Burn injuries are a significant, though infrequently reported, complication of PUVA treatment.
- Limited data exists on the management and outcomes of severe PUVA-induced burns.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of severe PUVA burns treated between 2000-2010 was conducted.
- Data included patient demographics, PUVA details, burn characteristics (site, TBSA, depth), treatment, and hospitalization.
- A survey of burn centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland assessed the incidence of this complication.
Findings:
- The study identified four cases of severe PUVA burns, primarily in patients with psoriasis vulgaris and graft-versus-host disease.
- All burns resulted from incorrect handling of the radiation system, with a mean affected total body surface area (TBSA) of 73%.
- Conservative management led to spontaneous healing without surgical intervention in all cases.
Implications:
- Severe burn injury is a preventable complication of PUVA photochemotherapy.
- Enhanced patient counseling regarding potential burn risks and strict adherence to safe psoralen dosing are crucial.
- Burn specialists should consider conservative treatment for deep partial-thickness PUVA burns due to their healing potential.
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