One of a group of plant-derived chemicals that sensitize the skin to damage by ultraviolet light. Drugs derived from psoralens, such as methoxsalen and trioxsalen, are used to treat vitiligo, psoriasis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Side effects from the use of psoralens may include drying and chapping of the skin and an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
A group of light-sensitive chemicals, known as psoralens, naturally occurring in lemons, celery, and various other plants. Synthetic variations of these chemicals are chemically produced and employed to enhance the outcomes of UVA light therapies.