What is UVB phototherapy used for?

UVB Phototherapy is a treatment for skin eruptions using artificial ultraviolet light. The initials UVB stand for the type B ultraviolet, the middle energy between the tanning rays (UVA) and the intense germicidal UVC. UVB rays are the part of sunlight that gives one sunburn.

What type of UV light is used in phototherapy?

Phototherapy uses a man-made source of UV light. UV light also comes from the sun. When combined with a medication called psoralen, the procedure is known as psoralen UVA (PUVA). UV light shuts down immune system cells in the skin.

Is phototherapy same as tanning bed?

Unlike dermatologist-prescribed phototherapy, which is targeted to just areas with psoriasis, a tanning bed exposes your entire body to UV rays.

Why are newborns put under UV light?

Phototherapy. Phototherapy is treatment with a special type of light (not sunlight). It’s sometimes used to treat newborn jaundice by lowering the bilirubin levels in your baby’s blood through a process called photo-oxidation. Photo-oxidation adds oxygen to the bilirubin so it dissolves easily in water.

Is phototherapy the same as a tanning bed?

Is an UVB light a must?

Ultraviolet Light B (UVB) may be considered medically necessary for patients who have not responded to conservative treatment and any ONE of the following: Pruritic Eruptions of HIV. Ultraviolet light therapy provided for patients with vitiligo is limited to those patients whose condition affects any ONE of the following:

What is UV light therapy?

Light therapy involves shining ultraviolet (UV) light on the skin, which can reduce the size, itchiness, and appearance of plaques. It may even clear them up entirely. Light therapy does not cure psoriasis, but it can help people manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Does UVB light treatment work for psoriasis?

Ultraviolet light B (UVB) UVB is present in natural sunlight and is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells. Treatment using UVB can include UVB phototherapy, excimer laser, or in-office or home UVB phototherapy.

What is phototherapy, and how does it work?

Phototherapy works by changing bilirubin into a compound that can be broken down and excreted by the body via the urine and feces, explains Pregnancy Today. Certain wavelengths of light can change bilirubin into two other compounds, called lumirubin and photobilirubin.