Broadband UVB revisited: is the narrowband UVB fad limiting our therapeutic options?

Abstract

Broadband ultraviolet B (BB-UVB) phototherapy has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous disorders including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, uremic pruritus and idiopathic pruritus. In the last decade, there has been a rapidly escalating process of replacing BB-UVB phototherapy units with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) equipment, as studies have demonstrated that NB-UVB (ranging from 311 mm to 312 nm) is more efficacious in the treatment of psoriasis. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize the efficacy of BB-UVB phototherapy in the treatment of uremic pruritus, idiopathic pruritus, eosinophilic folliculitis and other inflammatory pruritic conditions. Furthermore, as highlighted in this report, there is a small but significant proportion of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis patients who do not tolerate NB-UVB but demonstrate an excellent clinical response to BB-UVB. It is critical for dermatologists to recognize the role of BB-UVB as a complement to NB-UVB phototherapy for patients who cannot tolerate or experience an inadequate therapeutic response from NB-UVB.

• Authors: Rupa Pugashetti, Henry W Lim, John Koo
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 21 Issue 6 Pg. 326-30 (Nov 2010) ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19895327 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Dermatitis, Atopic (radiotherapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Pruritus (radiotherapy)
• Psoriasis (radiotherapy)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy (adverse effects, methods)