Types of UV Phototherapy


UVB treatments are administered in a physician’s office, clinic or at home with a home phototherapy device. There are two types of UVB treatments: broad-band and narrow-band. The major difference between them is that narrow-band UVB units emit a more specific or “narrow” range of UV wavelengths. Narrow-band UVB is now more frequently used than broad-band UVB.

Narrow Band UVB

Narrow Band UVB has proven to be the most effective phototherapy treatment option for thousands of psoriasis patients all over the world. With more research being done every day on conditions such as eczema, vitiligo, and mycosis fungoides, Narrow Band UVB continues to show its versatility with its promising results.

UVB Narrow Band

Why Narrow Band UVB is different

Benefits of Narrow Band UVB Therapy

* Philips, A.G., manufacturer of the ultraviolet lamps used in Daavlin’s narrow band UVB phototherapy cabinets, has amassed an exhaustive library of studies from around the world documenting the therapeutic effectiveness and safety benefits of narrow band UVB treatment. This information is available upon request from the Daavlin Company.


PUVA combines a Psoralen drug (the product name is Oxsoralen) with exposure to ultraviolet light A (UVA). Psoralen makes the body very sensitive to UVA rays and comes in oral or topical form. It may be used on a short- term basis to bring a severe or disabling case of psoriasis under control. The main long-term side effect of PUVA is the increased risk of skin cancer.


UVA1 (340-400nm) is the range of long wavelength ultraviolet light immediately next to visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum.  Consequentally, UVA1 photons have the deepest penetration into the body, but the lowest energy per photon of any type of ultraviolet light.  UVA1 has many different biological effects, including  up-regulating Collegnase, changing cytokine ratios, and inducing Heme-Oxygenase-1.  Typical diseases treated by UVA1 light include sclerotic skin conditions (morphea, scleroderma, graft vs. host) and  atopic dermatitis(eczema). UVA1 has been used therapeutically for nearly 20 years, with an excellent safety and effectiveness record.