What is Photochemotherapy with UV B?

PUVA or photochemotherapy is a type of ultraviolet radiation treatment (phototherapy) used for severe skin diseases. PUVA is a combination treatment which consists of Psoralens (P) and then exposing the skin to UVA (long wave ultraviolet radiation). It has been available in its present form since 1976.

Is coal a tar?

What is coal tar? Coal tar is derived from coal. It is a byproduct of the production of coke, a solid fuel that contains mostly carbon, and coal gas. Coal tar is used primarily for the production of refined chemicals and coal-tar products, such as creosote and coal-tar pitch.

Is PUVA treatment safe?

PUVA treatment is a very effective and safe treatment option for patients whose psoriasis is not well controlled on topical therapies alone. PUVA may also be a viable option for patients who have failed UVB therapy.

What kind of tar is used in Goeckerman therapy?

Individual institutions have modified the Goeckerman regimen and developed their own protocols. Standard therapy includes use of 2–4% crude coal tar in a petroleum base applied daily to the psoriatic plaques.

Can you use Goeckerman therapy as an outpatient?

Historically, Goeckerman therapy was performed as an inpatient treatment. However, today the treatment can be done with reduced cost as an outpatient.

How much does it cost to get Goeckerman treatment?

It has been stated by de Miguel et al., that an annual three-week outpatient course of Goeckerman treatment costs $10,000 to 12,000 but repeat treatment may be extended to two years with the use of a $2,000 home UVB treatment lamp. The authors state that biologic therapy costs $22,000 to 59,000 per year.

How is Goeckerman therapy used to treat psoriasis?

Goeckerman therapy is a regimen for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis using a combination of crude coal tar and artificial ultraviolet radiation. It is a specialized form of light therapy .