Grace D Bandow1, John Y M Koo. 1. Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Narrow-Band radiation (NB-UVB) is a relatively new treatment modality for psoriasis and many practitioners may be unaware of its effectiveness and applications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to review the literature and compare NB-UVB to both broad-band ultraviolet B radiation (BB-UVB) and psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) for the treatment of psoriasis and other dermatoses. METHODS: A comprehensive Medline search of the literature was done on all citations electronically cataloged since the mid 1960s. RESULTS: NB-UVB is superior to BB-UVB, but less effective than PUVA for the treatment of psoriasis, and is beneficial for the treatment of many other dermatoses. CONCLUSION: NB-UVB is a useful and important adjust to the treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND: Narrow-Band radiation (NB-UVB) is a relatively new treatment modality for psoriasis and many practitioners may be unaware of its effectiveness and applications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to review the literature and compare NB-UVB to both broad-band ultraviolet B radiation (BB-UVB) and psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) for the treatment of psoriasis and other dermatoses. METHODS: A comprehensive Medline search of the literature was done on all citations electronically cataloged since the mid 1960s. RESULTS: NB-UVB is superior to BB-UVB, but less effective than PUVA for the treatment of psoriasis, and is beneficial for the treatment of many other dermatoses. CONCLUSION: NB-UVB is a useful and important adjust to the treatment of psoriasis.