Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is an excellent option for treating many dermatological disorders. Narrow-band UVB rays make it possible to work on the skin without damaging it or risking the development of skin tumors. In this article, we discuss what narrowband UVB phototherapy is, what it can be used to treat, how it works, how to prepare for it, and any contraindications to be aware of.
What Is Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?
Narrowband UVB phototherapy is a treatment that uses a specific wavelength of ultraviolet B light to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as:
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Lichen ruber planus
It is also helpful for treating vitiligo, a skin disorder caused by melanin deficiency.
How Does Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Work?
The patient is brought into a cabin where narrow-band UVB irradiates the body. Usually, the patient in the house is entirely naked, including genitals, especially if skin inflammation is also present in that area. In case the eyelids are not affected by the disease and, therefore, do not require irradiation, the eyes can be covered with goggles similar to those used in swimming pools. To accommodate the sensitivities of people who might suffer claustrophobic effects, the cabin is open at its top, and there is a knob inside that can be turned on at any time to request the treatment to be stopped.
Complete narrow-band UVB treatment requires two sessions per week. The number of weeks needed varies depending on the response to the treatment, but it generally ranges from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 40 sessions. As for the duration of the sessions, exposures start with a few minutes, gradually increasing to a maximum of 10 minutes.
How Do You Prepare for Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?
If the application concerns the treatment of psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, before treatment, the skin must be cleaned with topical therapy from the scales or eczema present on its surface. Without this procedure, the rays would not be able to be therapeutically active. If the application is for treating vitiligo, no specific preliminary preparations are needed.
Are There Any Contraindications to Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?
This treatment has no particular contraindications except one. In case the person who has undergone the therapy wishes to expose themselves to the sun, it is wise to be careful and use a good sunscreen to protect the skin that has been subjected to narrow-band UVB exposure.
