What is Ultraviolet B phototherapy?
It is light based treatment, where the skin is exposed to light with a wavelength between 320nm and 400nm. There are 2 forms of Ultraviolet B phototherapy. Broadband Ultraviolet B phototherapy and Narrowband Ultraviolet B phototherapy. We use Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy (NB-UVB), because it has been shown to be the most beneficial component of natural sunlight for the treatment of psoriasis.
Will ultraviolet B phototherapy not cause skin cancer?
Ultraviolet B phototherapy will not increase your chances of developing skin cancer as long as the total number of treatments stays below 250. To induce remission in psoriasis using Narrowband Ultraviolet B phototherapy you will need between 20 and 30 treatments.
Which skin conditions can be treated with Ultraviolet B phototherapy?
- Psoriasis (Narrowband Ultraviolet B phototherapy is the treatment of choice)
- Vitiligo
- Severe eczema and dermatitis
- Lichen Planus
- Chronic itching
- Polymorphic light eruption
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
What does the treatment involve?
Patients attend two to five times weekly. Patients will undress completely, except for their underwear and protective goggles. The ultraviolet lights are then switched on and the skin exposed to the ultraviolet light for a few seconds to minutes.
What side effects are there with Ultraviolet B phototherapy?
The same side-effects you can get when exposing yourself to sunlight, i.e. burning and blistering. These are however rare and is not necessary for the treatment to work.
How long does it take to start working when treating psoriasis?
Patches of psoriasis generally start to improve after about ten treatments. Most patients with psoriasis require 20 to 30 treatments to clear.
How long will I be free of psoriasis after finishing a treatment course?
3-8 months.
i would also like to to have the same as frik koen above and can you please recommend a suitable unit and supllier….why is the medical aid so stubborn as to help with obtaining one of these lamps as i see this is a cronic condition…..
If this treatment is only effective for a limited period, does this mean it will have to be repeated regulary?
Dear Helena. It depends on what the underlying condition is. If it is psoriasis then the treatment is not a cure and might need to be repeated in future.
I have severe lichen planus scars on my feet. Will this treatment help?
Dear Heloise. If what you mean by Lichen Planus scars is actually active Lichen Planus then UVB therapy can help. UVB therapy does not help to improve scarring.
Hi,
I am living in a small town in the Northern Cape and I would like to buy a UVB Lamp for home treatment of psoriasis. The only website I can find is http://www.dermalamp.com The price of a small unit (400 x 150) is about R7000.00
I have large spots on my upper legs. The rest are small spots on my palms and elbows. Can you perhaps recommend a suitable unit and a supplier for me?