1. A naturally occurring organic compound found in plants that increases skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light; used in medical treatments for skin conditions.
Usage: technical; medical

Examples

• Psoralen is often used in photochemotherapy to treat psoriasis.
• The patient was prescribed psoralen combined with UVA light exposure.
• Psoralen compounds are found naturally in citrus fruits and parsley.
• Dermatologists may recommend psoralen treatment for certain types of eczema.
• The mechanism of psoralen involves binding to DNA when activated by ultraviolet radiation.