Narrowband UVB works by suppressing the immune system cells responsible for driving inflammation in the skin. This reduces the redness, itching, scaling, and flaring associated with inflammatory skin conditions. For vitiligo, UVB stimulates melanocytes — the pigment-producing cells — potentially helping restore colour to depigmented areas over a course of treatment.
Upon each visit a trained team member will operate the machine and ensure there are no issues from any prior visit. Goggles are supplied to protect the eye area as well as sunscreen to apply after treatment. The patient then stands in a specially designed light cabinet that delivers narrowband ultraviolet radiation. Some mild redness or skin flushing can be expected following treatment — this will settle within 24 hours and is a good indication that the treatment is working. A slight tan may also develop over the course of multiple treatments.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment option for:
Narrowband UVB phototherapy has an excellent long-term safety profile supported by decades of clinical use and research. The cumulative scientific information over decades of use and research shows there is no, or negligible increased risk of skin cancer with narrowband UVB phototherapy in humans. It is hypothesised that because narrowband UVB is absorbed in the most superficial layers of the skin, it is less prone to cause skin cancer.
This is in contrast to PUVA (photochemotherapy) and chronic natural sun exposure, both of which carry a higher skin cancer risk. All phototherapy sessions at Skindepth are closely supervised by our clinical team, and your cumulative dose is carefully monitored throughout your treatment course.
Patients attend for phototherapy two to five times weekly, for a course usually lasting 6–10 weeks. The dose of UVB is carefully calibrated to your skin type, the condition being treated, and your response to treatment, and is gradually increased over the course to achieve the best therapeutic outcome. Bulimba Dermatology
Each individual treatment session is brief — typically lasting seconds to several minutes depending on the dose prescribed. For whole-body treatment, you will stand in the phototherapy cabinet undressed except for underwear and protective goggles. For conditions affecting only the hands and feet, a smaller localised unit is used to treat only the affected areas.
After completing a full course, if your condition has cleared, treatment can be stopped. If the condition relapses, a further course can be commenced.
Yes - a GP referral is required for a Medicare rebate on your dermatologist consultation. Your dermatologist will then prescribe and oversee your phototherapy course directly. Please bring your referral letter to your initial consultation.
No - narrowband UVB phototherapy is painless. Each session lasts only seconds to a few minutes. Some patients experience mild warmth or redness in the hours following treatment, which is normal and settles within 24 hours. Your clinical team will monitor your skin's response carefully and adjust your dose if any significant redness occurs.
In most cases yes - your dermatologist will advise on which topical treatments can and should be continued alongside phototherapy, and which should be paused. Some topical treatments actually enhance the effectiveness of UVB. Please discuss all current medications and skincare products with your dermatologist before commencing treatment.
Most patients attend two to three phototherapy sessions per week over a course of six to ten weeks - typically between 20 and 30 sessions in total. The exact number depends on your condition, your skin type, and your response to treatment. Your dermatologist will give you a more specific estimate at your initial assessment.
The evidence from decades of clinical use shows that narrowband UVB phototherapy carries no or negligible increased risk of skin cancer in humans. This is distinct from chronic natural sun exposure and PUVA phototherapy, both of which are associated with higher skin cancer risk. All sessions at Skindepth are supervised and your cumulative dose is carefully monitored throughout your course.
Medicare rebates apply to dermatologist consultations with a current GP referral. The phototherapy sessions themselves attract a Medicare rebate under specific item numbers. Please contact the clinic for current fee information.