What is narrowband UVB phototherapy?

Narrowband UVB is the most common form of phototherapy used to treat skin diseases. "Narrowband" refers to a specific wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, 311 to 312 nm. UVB phototherapy was formerly provided as a broadband source (290 to 320 nm).

The narrowband range of UV radiation has proved to be the most beneficial component of natural sunlight for psoriasis. Narrowband UVB may also be used in the treatment of many other skin conditions including atopic eczema, vitiligo, pruritus, lichen planus, polymorphous light eruption, early cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and dermographism.

Compared with broadband UVB:

Exposure times are shorter but of higher intensity.

The course of treatment is shorter.

It is more likely to clear the skin condition.

Longer periods of remission occur before it reappears

What are the side effects and risks of narrowband UVB?

Narrow-band UVB can result in burning, just like sunlight and broadband UVB. Frequent emollients should be applied to burned skin, and if recommended by the therapist, topical steroids. It sometimes provokes polymorphous light eruption.

Long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation ultimately causes skin ageing and skin cancers. In theory, less UV exposure occurs because the patient is only exposed to therapeutic wavelengths. Although the risk from narrow-band UVB is unknown, research to date suggests it is no more risky than broadband UVB and probably less risky than photochemotherapy (PUVA).

What does narrowband UVB treatment involve?

Patients attend for phototherapy two to five times weekly. If whole-body treatment is recommended, the patient is placed in a specially designed cabinet containing fluorescent light tubes.

The patient stands in the centre of the cabinet, undressed except for underwear, and wears protective goggles. Usually the whole body is exposed to the UVB for a short time (seconds to minutes).

Shorter bulbs can be used for localised UVB treatment, eg of hands and feet or a small body region.

The amount of UV is carefully monitored by the phototherapy staff. A number of protocols exist depending on the individual's skin type, age, skin condition and other factors.

What is the result of narrowband UVB?

The skin may remain pale or turn slightly pink (the Minimal Erythemal Dose) after each treatment. Let your therapist know if you experience any discomfort.

Patches of psoriasis generally start to become thinner after five to ten treatments. Most patients with psoriasis require 15 to 25 treatments to clear. Results vary.

IIn the past many doctors have treated Psoriasis and Vitiligo using the PUVA system. It taking Psoralen pills and the use of Ultra Violet A light exposure. But the side effects with the use of PUVA system were high and unbearable to many patients.

Problems related to taking from previous PUVA systems:

Patients taking PUVA system had to wear sun-protective glasses when exposed to sunlight. And also even after treatment.

Psoralen tablet related side effects often make the patient stop treatment before cure. Many patients experience disturbance in vision and can develop cataract. It resulted in an increased risk of skin aging and skin cancer with long-term treatment.

However, NB UVB systems are much safer compared to PUVA. It is superior in giving long term disease-free period

Uses of Nb UVB Phototherapy:

Psoriasis

Vitiligo

Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

Lichen Planus

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica

Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta

Mycosis fungoides

Uraemic Pruritus

Post inflammatory Hypopigmentation

Dermatitis MorpheaNarrow Band Nb UVB

MorpheaNarrow Band Nb UVB

Instructions to patients taking Narrow Band Nb UVB phototherapy:

Following regular treatment as instructed by the dermatologist is a must.

Tell the staff about your health problems, including eye diseases.

Let the staff know if you take any medications.

Do not apply any ointments or cosmetics (especially perfumes and makeup products).

Get an appointment to see by your dermatologist every 6 to 8 treatments.

S.P.Derma Center Various Phototherapy Options :

NarrowBand ( 311nm ) UVB Fullbody 48 tubes Advanced Phototherapy

UVA + Psoralen Phototherapy

Targeted Bb UVB / Nb UVB Lumera Phototherapy

EXIM excimer 308nm phototherapy.

For Patients with lesions only on the arms and legs or a particular area of the body. We have Hand and Foot cum Panel NB UVB unit from Mega Medical Technologies. Its voice-activated control is very effective in treating areas in parts.

Home handheld devices are also available for the patients to use at home. It’s useful if they are not able to come for treatment regularly.

Narrow Band Nb UVB Phototherapy is one the latest technology used in treatment of Vitiligo. At S.P.Derma Center we use Daavlin 3S series phototherapy system. It’s the first equipment of its kind in Tamilnadu introduced in 2004. We introduced Lumera-targeted Phototherapy Bb UVB / Nb UVB system at our center in 2008. It was the first installation in South India. we have two units for the convenience of the patients.

We use a 48 tubes (24 Nb UVB / 24 UVA) Highly advanced system. It Especially provides a much faster cure and requires lesser exposure time. The treatment visits is less compared to 8 tubes and 12 tubes systems which are commonly available in India.

Narrow Band Nb UVB has many advantages over older systems like PUVA and Bb UVB:

Shorter treatment duration,

No need for eye protection from sun after treatment,

No oral drugs required (no systemic side effects),

Less Exposure Time,

No darkening of skin seen after completion of treatment ,

Very Safe to use in children and pregnant women.

The No Side effect advantage gives better patient compliance. It also encourages the patient to take the full and complete course.