Methoxsalen
Methoxsalen
Methoxsalen (pronounced me-thox-sa-len), also known as 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), is a medication used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to UVA light from lamps or sunlight. Methoxsalen modifies the way skin cells receive the UVA radiation, allegedly clearing up the disease.
Etymology
The term "Methoxsalen" is derived from the chemical name 9-methoxy-7H-furo[3,2-g][1]benzopyran-7-one. The term "psoralen" is derived from "Psoralea", a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, which was used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for its high psoralen content.
Usage
Methoxsalen is used in a therapy called PUVA, where the drug is used in combination with UVA radiation. The treatment is primarily for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. It is also used in the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of Methoxsalen include skin redness, itching, nausea, and nervousness. Long-term use can lead to skin aging and increased risk of skin cancer.
Related Terms
- Psoriasis: A skin disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches.
- Eczema: A condition that makes your skin red and itchy.
- Vitiligo: A long-term skin condition characterized by patches of the skin losing their pigment.
- Lymphoma: A group of blood malignancies that develop from lymphocytes.
- UVA: Ultraviolet A, a type of ultraviolet light from the sun.
- PUVA: Psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation, a type of treatment for certain skin conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Methoxsalen
- Wikipedia's article - Methoxsalen
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