Narrowband‐Ultraviolet B Phototherapy for Psoriasis Treatment in Skin of Color

This study found that narrowband UVB light therapy reduced the severity score of atopic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin disease, by at least 50% for all subjects. The study then looked at the mechanisms of action and found that UVB light therapy suppressed inflammatory Th2 and T22 immune cells and normalized expression of skin barrier proteins to reduce skin thickening due to overactive keratinocytes.

This review provides a summary of the mechanisms thought to be responsible for the therapeutic effects of phototherapy for psoriasis. These mechanisms include through the alteration of the cytokine profile to shift immune response away from inflammatory pathways, through the induction of apoptosis of cells found in psoriasis lesions, and through the promotion of immunosuppression.

Pruritus, severe itching of the skin, is a common, irritating symptom associated with chronic kidney disease. This study compared the use of narrowband UV light therapy to the use of medical moisturizers in hemodialysis patients and found that UVB light therapy was more effective at lowering itch score in this patient population. The UVB treatment group saw a statistically reduction of itch-score of more than half from baseline levels.