UVB narrow band lamps emits light energy. Narrowband UVB phototherapy (UVB-NB) comprises a subset of the UVB wideband, or broadband, spectrum centered at roughly 311 nm. This is less than 1% of total range of wavelengths from sunlight. Narrow band UVB has been shown to be the optimal part of the UV light spectrum which slows growth of psoriasis lesions. Since the narrowband wavelength is shorter than broadband, exposure time to narrow band UVB phototherapy treatment lights can be increased. The result is powerful targeted phototherapy treatment.
UVB Narrowband is as its name suggests a very narrow portion of the spectrum of ultraviolet. In this blog we will concern ourselves with the UV portion of the spectrum, specifically UVB.
UVB Narrowband is the a very specific spectrum at 311 nm (nano meters) or billionths of a meter.
Another clear advantage of narrowband UVB is that skin is most sensitive to erythemic response, (sun burning) at 297 nm, so narrow band phototherapy reduces this problem as shown in the chart below.
Image from http://www.homephototherapy.com/nbc-narrowband.htm
Looking at the image above, one should notice that
1) The red line is our skin’s sensitivity to UV light
2) The blue line is what we call UVB Broad Band
3) The green line is UVB Narrow Band
The unique properties of
UVB Narrow Band causes less sun burning or erythemal effect than other treatments such as UVB Broadband. The chart above shows that the skin’s erythemal (sun burning sensitivity) is at its max at around 297 nm and that UVB NB with it’s spectra centered around 311-313 nm generates very low erythemal response. This allows the user to have longer treatment times before “seeing” an erythemal response. UVB NB is fast becoming the recommended treatment to replace Broadband UVB and PUVA. Most of Amjo’s sales today are UVB Narrow Band units.
Clinical studies have shown that the peak therapeutic effectiveness of UVB to be between 295 to 313 nm and that wavelengths below (shorter) than roughly 300 nm are more likely to cause a strong erythemal response or severe burning. UVB Narrow Band is in the 311-313 nm range and causes less burning than shorter wavelengths.
For Psoriasis
- Now dermatologists can gain the advantage over persistent and chronic cases of psoriasis with UVB Narrow Band technology. Narrow Band UVB has been shown to provide faster clearing of psoriatic plaques when compared to traditional Broad Band UVB.
For Vitiligo
- Check out or Vitiligo Success Stories
- Today UVB Narrow Band technology is proving to be very useful in the treatment of Vitiligo. It is replacing traditional PUVA phototherapy treatment. UVB Narrow Band requires no photo-sensitizing agents.Â
For Eczema
- Eczema is one of the more common applications of UVB Narrowband in the derm’s office and at home. Dermatologists can gain the advantage over persistent and chronic cases of eczema with UVB Narrow Band technology. Narrow Band UVB has been shown to provide faster clearing of eczema when compared to traditional Broad Band UVB or PUVA.
One can find UVB Narrow Band Bulbs in the following systems:
- Panosol II – UV Panels
- Foldalite-III – Full Body System
- Hand/Foot Unit – for localized treatment of the hands or feet.
- The Handisol NB – Hand Held Wand
It is said that because the shorter wavelengths are eliminated and that exposure times can be increased. The 311-313 nm range is less than 1% of the total range of wavelengths from sunlight, it is a powerful and targeted treatment.
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