Psoralen plus UVA protocol for Compositae photosensitivity

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Photobiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Sesquiterpene lactones in Compositae plants can cause severe photosensitivity and persistent light reactions.
• Managing this hypersensitivity is challenging, often necessitating inpatient care.
• Existing psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) therapy protocols lack specific outpatient guidelines for Compositae-induced photosensitivity.

Observation:

• Two male patients with chronic, photodistributed dermatitis unresponsive to prior treatments were studied.
• The patients exhibited severe photosensitivity attributed to Compositae plant exposure.

Findings:

• A novel prednisone-assisted PUVA outpatient protocol was developed.
• This regimen involved weekly decrements in prednisone dosage concurrent with escalating PUVA doses.
• Both participants showed significant resolution of their previously intractable eruptions.

Implications:

• The developed protocol offers an effective outpatient treatment for Compositae photosensitivity.
• This approach successfully managed chronic photodermatitis, demonstrating sustained remission in one case.
• The findings suggest a viable alternative to hospitalization for managing severe plant-induced photosensitivity.