UVB Phototherapy
A common and highly effective treatment option, UVB phototherapy is a key part of many of our patient’s treatment programs.
UVB Phototherapy
A common and highly effective treatment option, UVB phototherapy is a key part of many of our patient’s treatment programs.
About UVB Phototherapy
Narrowband UVB (nbUVB) phototherapy, in combination with topical therapy, is considered gold-standard, first-line therapy in most patients with vitiligo. It is a safe, effective treatment that has been used with great results for many years for halting the progress of vitiligo and promoting repigmentation.
How It Works
It is a safe, effective treatment that has been used with great results for many years for halting the progress of vitiligo and promoting repigmentation.
Sunlight produces three regions of ultraviolet radiation – UVA, UVB & UVC. As sunlight passes through the ozone, all UVC and most UVB are absorbed in the atmosphere, leaving approximately 95% UVA and 5% UVB to reach earth (cancer.org).
While UV does provide vitiligo improvement in some patients, it is not safe to expose your body to uncontrolled dosages of UV from the sun as this may lead to skin cancer and premature skin-ageing. UVA and UVB can be produced artificially and in a controlled, concentrated way through medical bulbs.
UVA was previously used in a number of skin conditions such as eczema,psoriasis and vitiligo, in combination with oral or topical photosensitising drugs.
This has since been largely replaced with nbUVB which is a stand alone treatment, does not require oral medications, and has a greater safety profile. UVB can be classified into two different groups of wavelengths: – Narrowband UVB (nbUVB) refers to the specific wavelength of UV radiation of between 311-312nm, which is a very safe wavelength providing excellent outcomes for vitiligo patients. There has been extensive research into nbUVB, that has corroborated its efficacy and safety profile.
Broadband UVB (bbUVB) is an older technology that has a broader treatment wavelength between 290-320nm. NbUVB requires less exposure time than with bbUVB, is more effective and leads to longer intervals between flares than the previously used bbUVB. It also delivers better results and without the complications of UVA treatment which requires oral/topical photosensitising medication to be used in conjunction with the UVA therapy.
What does treatment mean for me?
NbUVB phototherapy requires patient attendance 2-3 times per week for an initial period (usually approximately 6 weeks) to test if there is any response to this treatment. Treatment usually then continues until the vitiligo has improved substantially, to a point where the patient is much more confident in their skin. The length of treatment is very patient specific and carefully monitored by our specialist dermatologist.
There are many scientific articles on the safety and efficacy of UVB phototherapy treatment for vitiligo patients. This is not a solarium and is a medically proven, safe wavelength of light treatment. Initially, during a patient’s first dose of UVB phototherapy, treatment duration is often only a few seconds. Over time, treatment duration extends slowly and carefully, and can be of a 10-15 minute duration later in the treatment course.
It is important to do this incremental dosage increase slowly to ensure that the skin is not burned and there is a gradual increase in tolerance to the UVB light treatment. If some of the prescribed treatments are missed, then the dosage is dropped slightly (depending on the period of time lapsed since your last treatment) to ensure that your tolerance is built up gradually again.
Did you know that UVB Phototherapy is also great for treating Eczema & Psoriasis?
Book Your Free Initial Review
Interested in a free initial review? Book an initial consult with one of our Dermal Assistants. We have telehealth and in-clinic appointments available just get in touch!