Topical KUVA (Khellin-UVA therapy)

Abstract

The chief hazard associated with topical photochemo-therapy is a severe phototoxic reaction which occasionally happens despite the best of care and caution in regulating UV exposure. This cannot obviously be achieved with sunlight. Furthermore, due to their extreme photosensitivity, topical psoralens are difficult to use in vitiligo patients. In one clinical study with topical 8-MOP, and carefully controlled UV-irradiations, erythema and blistering were observed, in 71% and 18% of the patients respectively.¹ Only a few studies have been performed with topical TMP in the treatment of vitiligo. This compound, even at very small amounts, can also induce severe phototoxic reactions.