1. A group of naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants that increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light; used in medical treatments for skin conditions.
Usage: plural form; singular is psoralen; technical/medical term; often used in dermatology and photochemistry

Examples

• Psoralens are extracted from plants such as figs and parsnips.
• The dermatologist prescribed a psoralen treatment combined with UVA light therapy.
• Psoralens work by making the skin more reactive to ultraviolet radiation.
• Some patients experience side effects from psoralen-based medications.
• Researchers study psoralens to develop new therapies for psoriasis and vitiligo.