Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) delivers a specific wavelength of ultraviolet B light (311–312 nm), which has been shown to be one of the safest and most effective forms of phototherapy for many inflammatory skin diseases.

• Unlike natural sunlight, Narrowband UVB provides only the therapeutic wavelengths required for treatment, minimising unnecessary ultraviolet exposure. It has largely replaced older broadband UVB treatments because it is more effective and better tolerated. It is also considerably safer than PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) for most conditions and does not require taking photosensitising medication.

Phototherapy is an effective treatment for many inflammatory and immune-mediated skin conditions, including:

• Psoriasis (plaque, guttate, palmoplantar and scalp psoriasis)

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

• Vitiligo

• Chronic hand eczema

• Chronic foot eczema

• Chronic pruritus (generalised itch)

• Prurigo nodularis

• Polymorphic light eruption (sun allergy)

• Pityriasis lichenoides (PLEVA and PLC)

• Mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)

• Parapsoriasis

• Disseminated granuloma annulare

• Chronic actinic dermatitis

• Urticaria pigmentosa (cutaneous mastocytosis)

• Other inflammatory skin disorders where appropriate, following specialist assessment

Not every condition is suitable for phototherapy. Your dermatologist will discuss whether light therapy is the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances.

Some skin conditions are confined to the hands and feet and benefit from targeted treatment using our dedicated UVA hand and foot phototherapy unit.

By exposing only the affected areas, treatment can deliver higher therapeutic doses while minimising unnecessary ultraviolet exposure to the rest of the body.

This treatment may be recommended for:

• Chronic hand eczema

• Chronic foot eczema

• Palmoplantar psoriasis

• Palmoplantar pustulosis

• Localised inflammatory skin disorders affecting the hands or feet

• Selected patients requiring topical PUVA protocols (where appropriate)

Your dermatologist will determine whether UVA or Narrowband UVB is the most suitable treatment based on your diagnosis and previous response to therapy.

Most patients attend phototherapy two to three times each week, with a typical treatment course lasting 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the condition being treated and your response. Vitiligo often needs longer courses for the best response.

During full-body Narrowband UVB treatment, you stand inside a specialised phototherapy cabinet while wearing protective eye protection. The treatment itself usually lasts less than five minutes, although the total appointment is generally around 10–15 minutes.

For hand or foot treatments, only the affected areas are placed into the dedicated phototherapy unit.

The ultraviolet dose is calculated according to your skin type, diagnosis and previous treatments, and is gradually increased over the course of therapy to maximise effectiveness while reducing the risk of burning.

Narrowband UVB has been used safely in dermatology for many decades and has an excellent safety profile.

Temporary side effects may include:

• Mild redness similar to sunburn

• Dry skin

• Itching

• Temporary tanning

Unlike older PUVA therapy, current evidence suggests that Narrowband UVB is not associated with a significant increase in skin cancer risk when used appropriately under medical supervision. It is generally considered one of the safest systemic-free treatment options for inflammatory skin disease and is suitable for many children and during pregnancy when clinically indicated. We do however recommend that you get a full skin check yearly while using phototherapy as a treatment.

Response varies depending on the condition being treated.

Many patients begin noticing improvement after 5–10 treatments, although psoriasis and eczema often require 20–30 treatments to achieve their best results, and vitiligo may need more treatments than this to achieve repigmentation.

Some conditions remain clear for many months after treatment, while others may require repeat courses or maintenance therapy if symptoms recur.

If you would like to know whether phototherapy is suitable for your skin condition, arrange a consultation with one of our Specialist Dermatologists to discuss your treatment options.

• Call us to book an appointment with a specialist Dermatologist to plan supervised treatment

• Full-body Narrowband UVB phototherapy

• Dedicated UVA hand and foot phototherapy unit

• Evidence-based care following Australian phototherapy guidelines

• Convenient appointments 5 days per week with experienced nursing support

• Medicare rebated phototherapy treatments (no out of pocket cost for phototherapy)