How long does uvb take to work

Phototherapy cabinet Whole body unit. Sometimes uncomfortable sunburn will occur, at its worst about 8 hours after treatment. This fades over the next few days and should be treated with frequent and liberal emollients. The effect of UVB is similar to the effects of sun exposure. Excessive exposure contributes to ageing skin and to the risk of skin cancer. Psoriasis is a common inherited skin disorder, which may vary considerably in extent and severity.

Neither phototherapy nor any other available treatment effects a permanent cure. UVB is suitable for most people with extensive psoriasis. It may not suit those with very fair skin or those whose psoriasis gets worse in sunlight. Initially, most patients have their treatment three times a week.

The first few exposures will be short less than 5 minutes. The length of exposure is gradually increased, according to the patient's response, up to a maximum of 30 minutes per session. Few patients require such long exposures, most being controlled with shorter times. Light therapy for psoriasis works by slowing down the excess growth of skin cells, which reduces plaque formation.

It also limits the growth of skin cells by affecting the functioning of the DNA. Depending on which areas the psoriasis affects, a person can get phototherapy on one area, such as the hands or scalp, or across their whole body. A healthcare professional will protect sensitive skin areas, such as the eyes and genitals, before treatment.

Light therapy requires multiple sessions to gradually increase the amount of time the skin is exposed to UV light, and to give it time to heal. People usually undergo three to five light therapy sessions per week over the course of 2—3 months. People usually see an improvement in 2—4 weeks, depending on the type of light therapy. The average remission time is 3—12 months. Because of the increased risk of skin cancer, doctors advise people to limit their lifetime usage of psoralen and ultraviolet A PUVA phototherapy to sessions.

An estimated 75 percent of people using narrow-band ultraviolet B UVB therapy, which is the most common type, will develop clear skin. This will last for at least 6 months. Research has found that narrow-band UVB treatments are effective against a rarer form of psoriasis called acute guttate psoriasis, and that people were satisfied with this treatment. According to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care , using light therapy to treat psoriasis results in noticeable improvement or a complete reduction of symptoms in 50—90 percent of people.

There are many different ways to deliver light therapy for psoriasis, including different types of light and equipment. A healthcare professional will choose which phototherapy method to use based on the following factors:. One key difference between the various forms of phototherapy is the type of UV light used in treatment:.

A doctor or skin specialist, called a dermatologist, may recommend light therapy if creams and lotions are not enough to control psoriasis symptoms. People with moderate to severe psoriasis may benefit from light therapy. In moderate psoriasis, the condition affects 3—10 percent of the body, while severe psoriasis affects more than 10 percent of the body.

Connect with others who understand. Review of narrowband ultraviolet B radiation in vitiligo. World Journal of Dermatologyy, 5 2 , Vitiligo in adults and children. BMJ clinical evidence, , Narrowband UVB phototherapy.

Hi Martina, i'm taking UVB for just under a year for my back and hands. I have heard it works well on the face.