UVB phototherapy is a well-established therapy, used within Health services and dermatologists worldwide for treating a range of skin conditions including psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema. It is also used as a therapy to combat Vitamin D deficiency. Narrowband UVB phototherapy is generally prescribed when 1st line remedies such as moisturisers, anti-inflammatories or topical creams fail to improve the condition.
UVB phototherapy treatment exposes your skin to an artificial (man-made) UVB light source. The treatment involves exposure to the light for very short periods of time (between 30 seconds and a maximum of 4 minutes) 2-3 times each week, typically seeing results within 4 to 8 weeks. For the therapy to be effective you must stick to this regime rigorously.
The practicality of fitting this regime into your life or work-life is where we can help. Our units allow you to benefit from the treatment in your own home. Taking the treatment when it’s convenient for you.
It’s an unfortunate fact that one in nine people suffer from a skin condition, such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema. People try creams (some steroid based), soaps, injections with varying results. However, the use of UVB Narrowband light treatment has a success rate of around 98%, not as a cure but as a way of controlling and in some cases clearing the condition and importantly, improving your quality of life.
Some of the conditions known to benefit from UVB Narrowband therapy can be found here
It is important you understand what narrowband treatment is, why it works and why you should use the Philips TL01 Narrowband Tubes and only Philips TL01 Narrowband tubes. The only certified tube in the UK for the treatment of psoriasis – used by hospitals, recommended by doctors and dermatologists worldwide.
Ask one question and make sure you get a proper answer (even if you don’t buy from us) – Does the unit contain Philips TL01 Narrowband tubes?
Narrowband means that light is mainly emitted over a specific wavelength (ie. over a “narrow band” of the spectrum). It is important for sufferers of psoriasis, vitiligo etc that this specific wavelength is 311nm (known as the therapeutic wavelength for psoriasis and vitiligo etc.). Some tubes are classed as narrowband (but operate at a different wavelength) and don’t emit light at 311nm at all. All “unbranded” narrowband advertised as 311nm emit much less at 311nm than the market leading Philips TL01 Narrowband tubes. No tube emits 100% at 311nm, but Philips comes closer than any other available tube. Don’t forget the Philips tube is the tube of choice for many, many hospitals and clinics and Philips TL01 are the only certified tube in the UK for the treatment of psoriasis and fully endorsed by the FDA for the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.
If it doesn’t say Philips on the tube – it isn’t !
With Philips TL01 UVB Narrowband Tubes you get the absolute best (78% UVB to total UV output, 19.5 (as new) reducing to 17.7 UVB irradiance at the skins surface). Philips Narrowband UVB lamps emit light over a very short range of wavelengths concentrated primarily in the therapeutic range (311nm) – over 66% of light is at exactly 311nm (this is 40% more than any other available tube in the world). This tube was developed specifically for psoriasis, vitiligo and similiar skin conditions. The TL01 tubes last for over 1000 hrs usage (the output of the tubes diminishes by 5% after 500 hrs and 10%+ after 1000 hrs). That can equate to somewhere between 10 and 12 years usage before the tubes need to be replaced.
Please note: In our mini units we use the Philips PL01 36w Medical Narrowband tubes – these tubes are the mini-version of the larger TL01 tubes (you cannot get small tubes with the lettering TL01 – TL actually stands for linear lamp i.e. a straight lamp) and last for approx. 1000hrs usage. The Philips PL01 lamps offer the same benefits as the TL01 within the same light spectrum (mainly UVB at 311nm) – 78% UVB to total UVB Output. Due to the smaller light face (approx 20ins for the 36w) and tube, the light is at a lesser intensity and the UVB irradiance at the skins surface is 5.6. The mini units are used in treating just small localised areas of psoriasis, vitiligo etc arms/legs/hands.
Warning, be careful!! There are companies selling cheaper units that do not contain the Philips TL01 tubes and are therefore not only less effective at treating your condition but also they are more dangerous as they emit light at non-therapeutic and more harmful wavelengths. Always ask what tubes are in the unit before purchasing. We could supply units with cheaper tubes but don’t. With Philips UVB TL01 Narrowband tubes – you pay for the quality and you will get the best results. The success rate quoted is only achievable with Philips Narrowband and with no other tube (there have been over 400 clinical tests around the world that support this. Philips UVB TL01 Narrowband is the only certified tube in the UK for psoriasis treatment and is the tube of choice for most doctors, dermatologists, hospitals and clinics worldwide.
If you suffer from Psoriasis, Vitiligo or Eczema and are just at the start of your journey researching suitable treatments, it may be useful to follow some of the following links;
The British Association of Dermatologists’ page on Phototherapy [ Click Here ]
The National Eczema Association’s page on Phototherapy [ Click Here ]
Vitiligo Support International [ Click Here ]
Delivery, installation and demonstration for Canopies and Cabinets is carried out by Narrowband Ireland and incurs the following charges –
Ulster
Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, Tyrone £25
Armagh, Cavan, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Monaghan £50
Leinster
Longford, Louth, Meath £75
Dublin, Kildare, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow £100
Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford £125
Connacht
Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo £125
Galway, Mayo £150
Munster
Clare £150
Limerick, Tipperary £175
Kerry, Waterford £200
Cork £225
Mini Units, Hand Held Units and Tubes will be delivered via courier between the following rates –
Northern Ireland £10 – £55
Republic of Ireland £25 – £125
Should you require a quote for delivery to another country or location, please email info@narrowbandireland.com