Are you feeling sad because of the white patches on your skin, a condition called 'Vitiligo'? This is actually a problem that many people have. Although this does not cause a serious illness, it is normal to feel a little uncomfortable when facing society. But there is good news. There is now a good treatment for this. Today we are going to talk about a cream used in such a special treatment method.
What is Methoxsalen?
Simply put, Methoxsalen is a medication that helps restore lost pigment in the skin and makes it more sensitive to light. It is used to treat the condition vitiligo.
But this is not just a cream that you apply to your skin. It works in conjunction with a special treatment. We call it PUVA treatment . That is, a treatment that combines a drug called Psoralen (a class of drugs that Methoxsalen belongs to) with UVA (ultraviolet A) light.
Think of it this way. Your doctor will apply this Methoxsalen cream only to the areas where you have whiteheads. Then, after a while, a special machine will use ultraviolet A (UVA) light to target those areas. Because the medicine has made your skin sensitive to light, when this light hits it, the skin's pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are stimulated, and gradually the whiteheads will start to return to color.
The important thing is, this is not a medicine you can take home and use. This is a treatment that must be done in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a doctor or trained medical professional.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment
This treatment is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, when talking to your doctor, it is important to mention if you have any of the conditions below. It is very important for your safety.
| Your situation or problem | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This medicine and light therapy may affect the baby in the womb. |
| Any eye condition (e.g. cataracts , if the lens of the eye has been removed). | PUVA treatment can also affect the eyes, so special protection is required. |
| If you have had or currently have skin cancer. | This treatment may slightly increase the risk of skin cancer, so it may not be suitable if you already have such a history. |
| Special medical conditions such as heart disease, (Porphyria) or (Xeroderma pigmentosum) . | In the presence of such conditions, PUVA treatment may cause complications. |
| If you have photosensitivity of the skin to light. | This medication also makes the skin sensitive to light, so if you already have such a condition, it can be very serious. |
| If you have recently undergone radiation therapy. | Combining radiation therapy and PUVA may increase adverse effects on the skin. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. | The doctor can know in advance about the possibility of an allergic reaction to the medicine. |
What if I take too much of this medicine?
The chances of this happening are very low. Because you won't be allowed to take this home. A doctor will administer it. But if you think something like this has happened, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be very careful about during treatment
You need a lot of support from your side when undergoing this treatment. Be especially careful about these things.
Make sun protection number one!
This is the most important thing. After applying this medicine, your skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight. So even a short time in the sun can cause burns, blisters, and severe injuries.
- Avoid sun exposure completely for 24 hours before and 48 hours after PUVA treatment.
- If you only applied the ointment, stay out of the sun for 12 to 48 hours afterward.
- If you absolutely have to go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin well . Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 or higher to all areas exposed to the sun. However, you should ask your doctor before applying sunscreen to areas being treated.
- Completely avoid artificial light sources like sun lamps and sun tanning beds.
Take a look at what you eat and drink.
Some foods can also increase your skin's sensitivity to light. For example, lemon, figs, parsley, parsnips, mustard, carrots, and celery. It's wise to discuss these foods with your doctor while taking this treatment.
Pay attention to skin changes.
This treatment may slightly increase the risk of skin cancer when used for a long time. Also, just like sunbathing, the skin can age prematurely. Therefore, always pay attention to your skin.
If you notice anything new, unusual, such as spots, wounds, non-healing sores, or discoloration, no matter how small, show it to your doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Notify your doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash , severe itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Burning sensation, blistering, severe redness or swelling of the skin. |
| If it persists, inform the doctor. | |
| Common skin problems | Moderate itching, dry skin. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Methoxsalen is not just a topical cream. It is part of a PUVA treatment that is performed under the supervision of a doctor.
- It is extremely important to protect yourself from the sun before and after treatment, otherwise you could cause serious damage to your skin.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and medical conditions you are taking before treatment.
- Report any unusual changes to your skin (spots, wounds, severe redness) to your doctor immediately.
- This is not a treatment that will give instant results. It may take 6-9 months or more to see full results. So be patient and follow your doctor's instructions .
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