Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB, 311–313 nm) has largely replaced broadband UVB for vitiligo and psoriasis treatment. The main advantage of NB-UVB over broadband UVB in clinical practice is:

• A Greater penetration depth due to longer wavelength
• B Ability to be combined with psoralens for PUVA-like effect
• C Complete absence of any photocarcinogenic risk
• D Elimination of the carcinogenic and erythemogenic shorter wavelengths while retaining therapeutic efficacy ✓

Explanation

NB-UVB at 311 nm selectively delivers the therapeutic wavelength (near the action spectrum peak for psoriasis and vitiligo repigmentation) while avoiding the shorter, more erythemogenic and carcinogenic wavelengths (below 300 nm) present in broadband UVB. This allows higher therapeutic doses with fewer burns, better repigmentation rates in vitiligo, and improved safety profile. It is not risk-free (some photocarcinogenic potential remains) and is not combined with psoralens routinely.

Reference: Neena Khanna Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & STD, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.