Phototherapy compositions and methods

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

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

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

4. The composition of claim 2 , wherein said psoralen concentration is about 0.05-1% by weight of said composition.

5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said agent that absorbs or blocks the inadvertent UV radiation is about 1-10% by weight of said composition.

6. The composition of claim 5 , wherein said photoactivable agent is a psoralen at a concentration of about 0.1-1% by weight of said composition; and said agent that absorbs or blocks the inadvertent UV 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 about 0.4% of a psoralen;

from about 4% to about 15% of an agent that absorbs or blocks inadvertent UV radiation during PUVA treatment;

from about 0 to about 80% of water;

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

from about 1 to about 5% of a thickener; and

from about 0.5% to about 2% of an emulsifier,

wherein the psoralen is 8-methoxy-psoralen.

8. The composition of claim 7 further comprising from about 0.1% to about 5% of propyl paraben.

9. A pharmaceutical oil-in-water emulsion composition comprising about 58% water, 3% sorbitol; 0.2% methyl paraben, 0.3% propyl paraben, 0.3% thickener 1% emulsifier, 12.4% solvent, 7.5% of a UVB absorber, 15% emollient, 2.0% sodium stearate C-1, and 0.1% 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP).

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