Phototherapy compositions and methods

1. A composition for use in phototherapy comprising a photoactivable compound and an agent that absorbs or blocks extraneous radiation wherein the compound is 8-methoxy-psoralen, the agent is octylmethoxycinnamate, and wherein the composition together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers is prepared in the form of a gel, lotion or ointment.

2. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said psoralen concentration is about 0.01-10% by weight of said composition.

3. A composition of claim 2 , wherein said psoralen concentration is about 0.01-5% by weight of said composition.

4. A composition of claim 3 , wherein said psoralen concentration is about 0.05-1% by weight of said composition.

5. A composition of claim 1 , wherein said agent that absorbs or blocks extraneous radiation is about 1-10% by weight of said composition.

6. A composition of claim 5 , wherein said photactivatable agent is a psoralen at a concentration of about 0.1-1% by weight of said composition; and said agent that absorbs or blocks extraneous radiation is a UVB absorbing agent at a concentration of about 1-10% by weight of said composition.

7. A pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsion composition comprising:

from about 0.05% to 0.4% of a psoralen;

from about 4% to 15% of an agent that absorbs or blocks extraneous radiation;

from above about 0 to about 80% of water;

from about 10% to 40% of a non-volatile organic oil;

from about 1 to 5% of a thickener; and

from about 0.5% to 2% of an emulsifer.

wherein the psoralen is 8-methoxy-psoralen, the agent is octylmethoxycinnamate, and wherein the composition comprises octyl palmitate and propyl paraben.

8. A composition of claim 7 propyl paraben comprises from about 0.1% to 5% of the emulsion.

9. A pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsion composition comprising: 58% water, 3% sorbitol; 3.0%, 0.2% methyl paraben , 0.3% propyl paraben, 0.3% Carbopol 934, 1% Brij 721, 12.4% Finsolv TN, 7.5% octyl methoxycinnamate, 15% Wickenol 155, 2.0% sodium Stearate C-1, and 0.1% 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP).

10. A composition of claim 9 further comprising an antioxidant.