UVB Phototherapy - Health Tips

Get practical tips regarding UVB Phototherapy to help you prepare for your appointments and manage your care from home.

Thoughts on UVB Phototherapy by Dr. Sandra Johnson, MD
July 2021

At Johnson Dermatology, we typically encourage you to practice sun smart behaviors and limit your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This is because UV light causes mutations in the skin that may lead to skin cancer AND lowers your immunity/inflammation in the skin.

Some people however suffer from too much inflammation in their skin. These conditions include but are not limited to atopic dermatitis/eczema, psoriasis, pruritus/itching, and vitiligo.

Phototherapy is the use of light to treat skin disorders. In order to limit the side effects of phototherapy, we exclusively offer narrowband UVB. Narrowband UVB emits only wavelengths of 311-312 nm providing maximal effectiveness of decreased inflammation in the skin and shorter more effective treatments.

By eliminating wavelengths below 300 nm, the risk for severe burning and the increased risk of skin cancer are diminished.