Upgrade to Narrowband UVB

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     Every phototherapy system Ultralite offers may be upgraded at any time to be outfitted with our latest controller, or to be reconfigured for treatment with a different emission wavelength (ie. UVA to UVB). As for the latter, many doctors have chosen to have their Ultralite systems converted to Narrowband UVB citing its benefits as a safer, more effective method of treatment compared to psoralen-UVA (PUVA) combination treatment. According to a 2003 British Journal of Dermatology article authored by R.S. Dawe at the University of Dundee, Narrowband UVB markedly outperformed PUVA in a paired-study where both treatments competed to remedy plaque psoriasis patients' front and rear halves (Abstract). In addition to providing greater treatment efficacy over PUVA, Narrowband UVB does not require a tandem drug to increase the skin's photosensitivity, nor the undesired costs and side effects of such medication.

               
                                    Source: Skincancer.org

      Consider the nature of the light itself: where UVB is a higher frequency (more energetic) form of radiation, it is also more harmful to the skin in general than UVA. This pertains both to its tendency to cause burns and, eventually, skin cancer. Incidentally, the wavelength that has been identified as the most effective light in treating psoriasis falls within the UVB range at 311 nanometers (see Sandra M. Kirke's 2007 article in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. In response, medical lamp manufacturers who specialize in providing Ultraviolet light sources developed lamps to specifically target the 311nm wavelength, while essentially eliminating the rest of the UVB continuum which would otherwise contribute to erythema.

                        (Source: 2002 British Journal of Dermatology,
                           see Narrowband as orange dotted-line)

      Ultralite's phototherapy systems will primarily (but not necessarily) be outfitted with Philips Narrowband UVB lamps, from the Netherlands - their website has more good information here.