Narrow band UVB

SKINspecialist.co.za

home | about | skin conditions | treatments & Procedures | linksWelcome.htmlAbout.htmlSkin_conditions.htmlTreatments.htmlLinks.htmlhttp://livepage.apple.com/shapeimage_3_link_0shapeimage_3_link_1shapeimage_3_link_2shapeimage_3_link_3shapeimage_3_link_4
 

Narrow band UVB is a form of phototherapy (light treatment) using cabinets with special light bulbs emitting a particular type of light - (311nm)




Main uses:


  1. •Psoriasis

  2. •Eczema

  3. •Vitiligo

  4. •Lichen Planus

  5. •Pityriasis Rosea


Over the past few years, narrow band UVB has overtaken PUVA as the preferred option in phototherapy (light treatment) because of its increased safety and ease of use.


The main differences between UVB and PUVA are the following:


  1. •Treatment time is shorter with UVB thereby reducing UV exposure and risk

  2. •No capsules/ tablets are required before UVB treatment.

  3. •No glasses are required after treatment

  4. •children as young as 2 months can have narrow band UVB (minimum age 12 years for PUVA)


Both narrow band UVB and PUVA require the use of specially protective goggles during treatment.



Instructions for use of the narrow band UVB machine:


  1. •During treatment, all patients are required to cover their eyes with protective goggles which are available from the receptionist.

  2. •Male patients are required to cover the genital area. 

  3. •Patients are required to stand in the centre of the light cabinet with arms at rest. 

  4. •The time is set on the timer on the outside of the cabinet. 

  5. •The cabinet doors are not locked and you may come out of the cabinet at any time. 

  6. •Inform the phototherapist about any new medication that you are taking.

  7. •Additional unprotected sun exposure should be avoided on the day of treatment.

  8. •A broad spectrum sunblock (UVA and UVB) should be used for the remainder of the day that treatment is administered.

  9. •You will be assessed after approximately every 7 treatments.

 Possible complications include:


  1. •  Sunburn reaction

  2. •  Corneal burn if the eyes are unprotected

  3. •  Cataract formation if the eyes are unprotected

  4. •  Photoallergic dermatitis (including drug reaction)

  5. •  Freckling of the skin

  6. •  Aging of the skin

  7. •  Increase in risk of skin cancers including melanoma (see next paragraph). 

 

The last side effect is kept to a neglible level as the treatment duration is very short, treatment is administered only three times a week and treatment is kept below the maximum allowable number of 150 treatments a year.  Most conditions except Vitiligo require only 21 to 30 treatments.