Use of psoralen therapies obtained abroad in two children with Vitiligo

Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Sep;37(5):922-924. doi: 10.1111/pde.14283. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Abstract

We describe two American-born children with vitiligo, each of whom travelled to their family's ancestral home (India and Ethiopia), where their skin conditions were treated with PUVAsol, which involves the use of topical or oral psoralens followed by exposure to natural sunlight. Both children experienced modest repigmentation and were subsequently seen in our dermatology clinics. PUVAsol may be an attractive treatment option for some families, but there are potentially serious side effects including phototoxicity and cutaneous malignancy. Dermatologists should be aware of the existence of this treatment modality as well as its complications.

Keywords: PUVA; PUVAsol; childhood Vitiligo.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Ethiopia
  • Ficusin
  • Humans
  • India
  • PUVA Therapy / adverse effects
  • Vitiligo* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Ficusin