title: Effects of water temperature on photosensitization in bath-PUVA therapy with 8-methoxypsoralen.
abstract: The pharmacokinetic aspects of bath-PUVA are not completely clarified. Therefore, we determined the phototoxic response of human skin following psoralen baths at temperatures ranging from 32 degrees C to 42 degrees C (71.6-107.6 degrees F) and UVA doses ranging from 0.5 to 5.5 J/cm2. The highest therapeutical photosensitization (i.e., lowest minimal phototoxic dose) was assessed at temperatures of 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F) and above. Photosensitization was significantly decreased at lower temperatures. These data indicate that a bath temperature of 37 degrees C (98.6 degrees F) should be used to gain optimal therapeutic efficiency in a clinical setting. Furthermore, in order to minimize the risk of adverse phototoxic effects in bath-PUVA, it is important to use a constant temperature during the psoralen bath.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gruss
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Behrens
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: von Kobyletzki
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Reuther
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Husebo
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Altmeyer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerscher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001494:Baths; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D008730:Methoxsalen