How Narrow Band UVB Therapy Can Treat Skin Diseases?

Did you know that it is possible to cure different skin diseases using the light therapy? Did you also know that it can improve the condition of your skin permanently? If not, here is what all you need to know.

Phototherapy or light therapy is a treatment of the skin by exposing it to a kind of artificial ultraviolet light source, under complete medical supervision. Narrow band UVB Therapy is a common form of phototherapy effective in treating skin diseases. ‘Narrow band’ refers to a particular wavelength of ultraviolet rays, about 310 to 312 nanometers applied to the skin and is used for both whole body and small area treatment.

Conventional UVB rays techniques uses broad bands, which sometimes emitted uncontrolled light resulting in discomforts like redness, dryness, inflammation of hair roots or folliculitis etc. Narrow band UVB, on the other hand, is a safer and more effective method.

Here is how narrow band is more effective than broad band-

• Shorter duration of exposure

• Higher intensity rays

• The duration of the procedure is short

• Chances of recurrence are very low

• It is also a beneficial component of sunlight, highly fruitful for treating psoriasis.

Areas of treatment- Narrow band UVB can very effectively cure several skin diseases like-

• Psoriasis

• Chronic dermatitis or eczema

• Vitiligo

Procedure- This technique needs to be repeated two to five times per week. For the whole body treatment, the patient is made to stand inside a cabinet especially designed with fluorescent tubelights. The patient stands inside after wearing googles and the rays are applied for a few seconds. Shorter bulbs are used for small areas like hands and feet. The amount of rays is sincerely monitored to prevent burns and other complications.

After-treatment results-

The skin can turn pale and pink immediately after treatment. However, after 3-4 days, your skin condition starts to heal, and eventually disappears after three weeks.