Narrowband UVBPhototherapy

Conveniently located to serve Alpharetta, John's Creek, Milton, and Roswell

If you’re living with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo, you know the challenges they present. Narrowband UVB Phototherapy offers a powerful solution to manage your symptoms and experience significant improvement.

By harnessing the precision of narrowband UVB light, this therapy targets affected areas with minimal exposure to healthy skin. As a result, it provides a potentially safer and gentler approach compared to traditional treatments. With Dr. Ravi Patel’s expertise, you can experience significant improvements in your skin’s health and appearance, with sessions tailored to fit your schedule and needs.

What Does Narrowband UVB Treatment Involve?

The procedure involves standing in a specially designed cabinet that emits narrowband UVB light. The duration of each session varies depending on the individual’s skin type and the severity of the condition but typically lasts from a few seconds to several minutes. Protective eyewear is worn to shield the eyes from the UVB light, and the number of treatments per week can vary, usually between two to five sessions.

What Is the Result of Narrowband UVB?

Patients often observe significant improvements in their skin condition following a course of narrowband UVB phototherapy. The treatment aims to reduce symptoms, enhance skin appearance, and extend remission periods. Results vary; some patients find substantial relief within weeks, while others may need longer treatment.

Narrowband UVB phototherapy presents a multitude of benefits for individuals seeking treatment for various chronic skin conditions. Its advantages extend beyond basic treatment efficacy, offering a comprehensive approach that prioritizes patient safety and convenience:

• Reduced Risk of Skin Burning: Narrowband UVB emits light at a specific wavelength (311 to 312 nm), which minimizes the risk of skin burning that is more commonly associated with broader spectrum UVB treatments. This specificity allows for a safer application, even with higher doses of UVB, enhancing patient comfort and treatment adherence.
• Efficient Treatment of Large Body Areas: The technology behind narrowband UVB phototherapy enables the effective treatment of extensive skin areas in a single session. This is particularly beneficial for conditions like psoriasis and eczema, which often affect large portions of the body, making treatment more convenient and less time-consuming for patients.
• Avoidance of Systemic Side Effects: Unlike oral medications, which can have systemic side effects affecting various organs and systems within the body, narrowband UVB phototherapy targets only the skin. This localized treatment approach significantly reduces the risk of systemic complications, making it a safer option for long-term management of skin conditions.
• Improved Psoriasis Clearance: Studies have shown that narrowband UVB phototherapy can lead to a higher rate of psoriasis clearance compared to broadband UVB, with many patients achieving substantial improvement or complete remission of symptoms.
• Stimulation of Vitamin D Production: UVB light plays a crucial role in the skin’s production of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for bone health and immune function. Narrowband UVB therapy, while treating skin conditions, also contributes to increased vitamin D synthesis, offering an added health benefit.
• Versatility in Treating Various Skin Conditions: Beyond psoriasis and eczema, narrowband UVB phototherapy is effective in treating a wide range of dermatological issues, including vitiligo, lichen planus, and pruritus associated with various conditions, demonstrating its versatility and broad applicability in dermatological care.
• Potential for Long-Term Remission: With a consistent treatment regimen, patients often experience long-term remission of their skin conditions. This enduring effect can significantly improve quality of life, reducing the frequency of flare-ups and the need for continuous treatment.

Narrowband UVB phototherapy, despite its numerous benefits and safety profile, may lead to certain side effects, which are typically mild and manageable. It’s important for patients to be aware of these potential side effects to better prepare for and manage them if they arise. Here’s a detailed look at what one might expect:

• Temporary Redness and Irritation: Skin may become red and irritated, similar to mild sunburn, but this usually subsides quickly.
• Itching: Treated areas might itch, manageable with moisturizers or anti-itch creams.
• Dry Skin: Regular use of moisturizers is recommended to counteract skin dryness.
• Increased Risk of Skin Aging: Prolonged exposure could accelerate skin aging, though the risk is lower compared to UVA light.
• Risk of Skin Cancer: There’s a slight increase in the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer with long-term use, but benefits often outweigh risks.
• Photosensitivity Reactions: Inform your dermatologist about all medications and supplements you are taking, as some can increase UV sensitivity.
• Pigmentation Changes: Possible temporary darkening or lightening of the skin in treated areas.
• Eye Protection: Proper eye protection is necessary during sessions to prevent cataracts and other eye issues.

To minimize these side effects, treatment protocols are carefully tailored to each patient’s specific needs, skin type, and condition severity.

Before Treatment

• Consult with a dermatologist to determine if narrowband UVB phototherapy is suitable for your condition.
• Avoid skin products that may increase sensitivity to UVB light.

During Treatment

• Wear protective eyewear during each session.
• Protect areas of the skin that do not require treatment.

After Treatment

• Apply moisturizers to treated skin to reduce dryness.
• Monitor your skin for any adverse reactions and report them to your dermatologist.