[Severe skin burns caused by a photochemotherapeutic agent]

By uncontrolled application without indication of a photoactive drug methoxypsoralen (Meladinine) which is sold only on prescription a 20-year-old man sustained a large burn injury of 71% of body surface. Because he was admitted to the hospital relatively late, a life-threatening condition developed as it is well known after large body burns. Adequate intensive care including artificial respiration and proper local treatment to prevent infection were decisive for successful treatment.