A question that comes up quite often is “Should I use Protopic?” or perhaps “Should I use Elidel?” and then the question continues “… while using UVB Narrow Band?”.

Generally speaking, any drug or cream should be avoided and not be applied immediately before or during UVB Narrow Band treatment. Elidel and Protopic and most other things you apply to your skin, change the skin’s sensitivity to UV light. Some drugs increase your sensitivity (Psoralens & others) while others reduce your skin’s sensitivity (sun blocks and the like). All of these should be avoided UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED by your Dermatologist.

I do recommend that if Protopic, Elidel or other Corticosteroid has been prescribed that you use it following UV treatment or on the alternate days. Do not apply these creams before treatment UNLESS SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED by your Dermatologist. It is not safe to apply these creams before treatment as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light and increase the risk of severe erythema (sunburn).

Do no assume that you know more than your dermatologist!

Avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds, and phototherapy treatments with UVA or UVB light. If you must be outdoors, wear loose clothing over the skin areas treated with Protopic. Do not use sunscreen on treated skin unless your doctor has told you to.

• Read more: http://www.drugs.com/protopic.html
• Read more: http://www.drugs.com/elidel.html

UVB Narrowband has several advantages over PUVA

• No Concurrent Drug Therapy such as Psoralen is needed.
• There much less risk of sunburn over UVB Broadband or PUVA
• Lower skin cancer risk
• No protective eyewear needed FOLLOWING exposure (Psoralens increase the eye’s sensitivity to UV and for 24 hours following treatment with PUVA
• Vastly reduced premature aging of the skin which is prevalent in PUVA.