Get the Best Narrow Band UVB Therapy in Islamabad
What is Narrow Band UVB Therapy?
Narrow band UVB therapy in Islamabad uses shortwave ultraviolet radiation for treating skin conditions like psoriasis. Phototherapy works using inhibiting DNA synthesis, which lowers inflammation.
In comparison to broadband UVB phototherapy (270-350 nm), narrow band UVB phototherapy (311-312 nm) is becoming more popular. This is due to shorter exposure and treatment times, which results in a longer duration of remission.
Reasons Narrow Band UVB Treatment Used for?
Some of the common indications for which narrow band UVB treatment used for involves:
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a severe inflammatory skin condition.
- Vitiligo Treatment: UVB also works for vitiligo treatment by suppressing the immune system.
- Dermatitis (eczema): UVB is used to treat serious dermatitis, particularly atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Other indications for narrow band UVB treatment may involve:
- Symptomatic dermographism
- Pityriasis lichenoides
- Mastocytosis
- Nodular prurigo
- Generalised pruritus
- Cutaneous graft versus host disease
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Mycosis fungoides
- Polymorphic light eruption
- Lichen planus
How is Narrow Band UVB Therapy in Islamabad Delivered?
UVB phototherapy is performed in a cabinet that has been specially made. The placement of fluorescent light tubes is designed to focus UV radiation on the hands and feet. Patients receiving full body treatments should be fully clothed, with their genitalia covered, and wear goggles or a face mask to protect their eyes and entire face.
The majority of patients receive treatment three times a week, separated by at least 24 hours. The duration of each session starts at less than five minutes and can be increased up to thirty minutes if necessary. Each person’s skin type, skin condition, and past response to treatment are taken into consideration when determining the number and duration of sessions.
Narrow Band UVB Treatment Procedure
Generally, narrowband UVB takes place over two to five weekly sessions.
Specialized cabinets with the light tubes are used for treatments involving the entire body treatment. Patients will put on safety goggles and stand in the middle of the cabinet. The entire body will be subjected to narrow band UVB for very short periods of time, with duration ranging from seconds to minutes, during these sessions.
Shorter bulbs are also used for Narrow band UVB treatment, such as on the hands, feet or small body parts. The staff will closely monitor the level of UV exposure because it is customized based on the patient’s age, skin type and condition.
What are the Contraindications to Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy?
Completely unsuitable contraindications are as follows:
- Previous skin cancer or melanoma.
- Dysplastic naevus syndrome, also referred to as familial atypical multiple mole and melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome.
- Erythematous lupus systemic.
- Dermatomyositis (occurs in children or adults.)
- Genetic disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum and Gorlin syndrome/basal cell naevus syndrome.
- Cockayne syndrome or Bloom syndrome.
- Patients who are medically unfit and unable to stand, such as those with severe respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, or who are hesitant or unable to follow safety procedures.
Possible contraindications are as follows:
- Exposure to arsenic/ionizing radiation in the past.
- Pregnancy (if folic acid supplements are used, serum levels should be measured.)
- Current precancerous skin condition.
- Immunosuppressive therapy (ciclosporin, azathioprine, mycophenolate) used concurrently.
- Epilepsy caused by light.
- Presence of cataracts.
- Pemphigus/bullous pemphigoid.
- Significant liver damage.
- 16 years old or above.
What are the Benefits of Narrow Band UVB Therapy?
Following are the benefits of UVB phototherapy:
- It can be used to treat the entire body or specific areas for vitiligo treatment or etc.
- As there is less UV exposure and a narrower range of UV radiation, narrowband UVB phototherapy is far less likely to lead to cancer than PUVA (photochemotherapy).
- There may be locations where home phototherapy is available.
- A less expensive and safer substitute for systemic therapy.
What are the Disadvantages of Narrow Band UVB Therapy?
The only disadvantage of narrowband UVB phototherapy is that patients must attend regular appointments three times per week.
What are the Side Effects and Risks of Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?
Short-term side effects include:
- Skin dehydration.
- 6-24 hours after excimer treatment, an itchy red rash appears.
- Sunburn may occur at certain points.
- Sun protection lip balm can help prevent herpes simplex virus reactivation or cold sores.
- Skin disease may get worse.
- Photodermatoses can be caused.
- Pigmentation in the treated areas may increase.
Long-term side effects include:
- Aging of the skin.
- Skin cancer risk may grow as those who have had more than 500 treatments may be taken into account for skin cancer monitoring.
What is the Result of Narrowband UVB?
Phototherapy will help the vast majority to get psoriasis treatment and treatment for vitiligo patients. Patches typically begin to thin shortly after five to ten procedures. Most psoriasis patients require 15 to 25 treatments to clear up. The outcomes may vary.
Other inflammatory conditions may produce different results. Your dermatologist may discuss your desired expectations with you.
Consultation
Discover the reliability and secure nature of narrow band UVB therapy while being closely monitored by our medical professionals. Find out the ways to treat specific skin conditions that last only in thirty minutes. Make an appointment at DFA for narrow band UVB therapy right now to start down the path to your healthier skin.
FAQs
Yes, phototherapy is safe if therapy is done by a reputed healthcare provider.
Duration of treatment depends on the condition of patients. Generally, it takes a few minutes to an hour for a complete session.
The treatment is usually given 2 – 3 times a week.
The cost depends on location, tools and your healthcare provider costs.