UVB phototherapy uses a specific band of ultraviolet B light, which is part of the natural sunlight spectrum. Compared with the broad spectrum of sunlight, UVB phototherapy equipment can accurately select wavelengths, such as the commonly used 311-312 nm and the more precise 308nm. These narrower wavelength bands are particularly effective in treating skin conditions with minimal side effects. UVB phototherapy works by slowing the growth of affected skin cells and reducing inflammation, thereby significantly improving skin condition. We have provided UVB light therapy services to many clients over the years, and they often see significant results in as little as 4 weeks. The following are some of the UVB phototherapy products we provide, covering different wavelength options from 311-312 nm to 308nm to meet the needs of different customers.
Instrument selection principles
Regular product: approved by the State Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) and obtained a medical device registration certificate. The registration document clearly indicates that it can be used at home. Products that have received US FDA approval or EU CE certification at the same time have higher credibility.
Style selection: Patients with larger lesions or systemic lesions can choose half-compartment or full-body styles. Smaller lesions can be portable.
LED ultraviolet light therapy device: The lesions are in sensitive parts such as the eyes and armpits; the lesions are not large, but require long-term treatment (LEDs have a longer lifespan). In the above two situations, it is recommended to choose LED ultraviolet light therapy device
Personalized needs: If the lesions are in stubborn parts such as the limbs, if you want to shorten the treatment period as much as possible, it is recommended to choose a higher-intensity 308 excimer ultraviolet light therapy device. If the lesion is on the head, you can also choose a professional head ultraviolet phototherapy device.
Instrument usage guidelines
Indications: Vitiligo, psoriasis, eczema, pityriasis rosea.
Contraindications: xeroderma pigmentosum, significant photosensitive skin disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.
Shielding and protection: Patients and instrument operators must wear goggles, and normal skin and special parts such as genitals should be effectively covered.
Radiation dose: Patients should be irradiated according to the recommended dose (time). Any increase in radiation dose (time) may cause adverse reactions.
Treatment cycle: The treatment cycle for vitiligo and psoriasis is generally two to six months. Do not interrupt the treatment plan at will to avoid delaying the condition.
Sun protection: Pay attention to sun protection after phototherapy. If you go out, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF index of ≥30, combined with physical sun protection methods such as parasols and hats.
Initial irradiation dose and precautions
Initial irradiation dose
Indications | Starting dose | Treatment frequency | ||
Vitiligo | 70% MED | or 200mJ | or 30-40s | 2-3times/week |
Psoriasis | 70% MED | or 300mJ | or 45-60s | |
Atopic dermatitis | 50% MED | or 300mJ | or 45-60s | 3-5times/week |
Things to note before lighting
Operators and patients wear special UV goggles to avoid corneal damage.
Normal skin and special areas such as genitals should be effectively covered.
Avoid taking photosensitive foods or medications.
Patients with thick scaly skin lesions should bathe in warm water for about 30 minutes before exposure to light to remove the scaly skin lesions.
Do not apply salicylic acid or thicker tinted moisturizer within 4 hours before sun exposure.
Dosage adjustment plan
Indications | Dosage adjustment plan | maximum single dose | |
Vitiligo | No erythema or the duration of erythema is <24 hours | Increase the original dose by 10%-20% | face 1000mJ/cm2
limbs, trunk 3000mJ/cm2 |
Erythema lasts 24-72 hours | Maintain original dose | ||
Erythema duration >72 | Reduce the original dose by 10%-20% | ||
Blisters appear | After symptoms disappear, reduce by 10%-50% | ||
Psoriasis | As tolerated by the patient, the first 20 doses | Increase the starting dose by 10%-15% each time | |
Achieve maximum single dose or satisfactory effect | maintenance dose | ||
Maintenance treatment phase 1 (4 weeks) | Maintain final treatment dose once/week | ||
Maintenance treatment Phase 2 (4 weeks) | Reduce to 75% of final dose 1 time/2 weeks | ||
Maintenance treatment Phase 3 (4 weeks) | Reduce to 50% of final dose 1 time/2 weeks | ||
Atopic dermatitis | Subject to patient tolerance First 20 doses | Each time the starting dose is increased 10%-20% | 3000mJ/cm2 |
Achieve maximum single dose or satisfactory effect | maintenance dose |
Note: The above solutions are for reference only and are based on expert opinions.
Precautions and adverse reaction treatment
Pay attention to sun protection
Pay attention to sun protection on the affected skin area after phototherapy. If you go out, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of ≥30, combined with physical sun protection methods such as parasols and hats.
Phototherapy records
Record the daily exposure dose (time), post-irradiation response and other information of each lesion as a basis for dose (time) adjustment.
Avoid hot baths
Avoid bathing in hot water on the day after phototherapy, and do not rub the phototherapy area.
Dry, itchy skin
If the skin appears dry and itchy, you can use external emollients or anti-itch drugs to relieve it, and moisturize the skin twice a day.
Painful erythema
Depending on the degree of pain, phototherapy may be suspended or the radiation dose may be reduced.
Blisters appear
Stop phototherapy. If the condition is serious, you need to go to the hospital for treatment. After the symptoms disappear, in principle, the patient should be irradiated again at 50% of the original dose.
Regular follow-up visits
Follow up at least once every 1-3 months. If the medication regimen during combined treatment changes, you should see a doctor in time.
Note: The above content is for reference only and is based on expert opinions.
Treatment interruption and plateau dose adjustment plan
Interruption of treatment dose adjustment regimen
Interrupted treatment means that the interval between two phototherapy treatments exceed 3 days, and is suitable for the treatment of skin diseases such as vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis etc.
Interruption time | Dosage adjustment plan |
4-7 days | Maintain original dose |
8-14 days | Reduce to 75% of original dose |
15-21 days | Reduce to 50% of original dose or start from starting dose |
More than 21 days | Start with starting dose |
Plateau dose adjustment plan
After 20-30 times of phototherapy for vitiligo, if there is no pigment recovery after continuous irradiation, the treatment will enter the plateau phase. Phototherapy should be stopped at this time, and after a 3-6 month rest, the MED dose should be used as the initial treatment dose again.
Phototherapy should be stopped if there is no effect after 3 months of treatment. Phototherapy can be continued as long as repigmentation continues. Maintenance phototherapy is not recommended for patients with vitiligo.
Note: The above plan is for reference only, and the specific opinions are based on the opinions of clinicians.