UVB Narrow band

[krogknows]

I am 34 years old having suffered from severe P for the past 12 years. I have tried all the meds with no sustained relief...until I started UVB NARROW BAND last fall. I went three times a week for 30 days and my P has not been around since.
Wondering if others have tried NARROW BAND? and also wondering why there is not much news about what I consider a miracle treatment.

[BobO]

Hey Krog,

I have never used UVB Narrow Band myself but I have talked to many people who have and I have read almost everything about Narrow Band that I can get my hands on. As Ed McMahan used to say "You Are Correct Sir!"

Narrow Band is such an intuitively satisfying therapy. It takes the safety and effectiveness of Broadband UVB to the Nth power! I mean, it isolates the most therapeutic frequency band of UV so you get the following benefits: (1) shorter treatment times, (2) less frequent treatment visits, (3) greater clearing.

Krog, the reason why we don't hear much about UVB Narrow Band is because the insurance reimbursement for ALL light therapy has gotten slim and thin. Therefore, derms are not investing anymore in light boxes and the staff to operate them <SIGH>. So, while you may still find the older Broadband UVB being used by community doctors, it no longer makes financial sense for these private derms to invest in new light therapies. Therefore, the UVB Narrow Band units are primarily found in university hospital settings where there are some teaching derms on faculty that are doing work in phototherapy.

Better insurance reimbursement of light therapy is something that the NPF is advocating for us and for this we have to be thankful to the NPF.

Krog - where are you taking your Narrow Band and how much is it costing you? Go ahead and prove me wrong on this one hehehe. Probably in a rural derms office for free, huh? hahahahaha

[goodolddon]

I rhink that the main reason that one does not hear about narrow band UVB is that there are very few clinics that offer it. I live in Southern Calif. and I do not know of any derm that has the nrrow band equipment.

On the subject of safety, does anyone know if it is safe enough to be used by a patient with a history of basal cell carcinoma??

[mccue]

I had 30-40 treatments of puva and uvb. All l got was alot of itching and no improvement.I was lucky and found a derm in the area that had uvb narrow band.I have used it off and on for the last couple of years and it is the best thing yet.Also very little itching. I would never try puva again.

[PJ Leary]

Bob is so right. On all points.

I have been looking into a home Narrow band unit to be purchased by bc/bs. I am certain that I will suceed.....eventually. Mostly because I am a royal pain in the butt and know how to negociate the system. Plus, I write great letters. That gets a person very far.

Also, reading ALL of the fine print in your health insurance helps. Especially the parts about contesting decisions. Then most companies are required to call in experts in the specific field to make a decision. All of the dermatologists are on OUR side.

PJ Leary

[susiebobm]

Is UVB Narrow Band made for home use?

[tsicard]

PJ-New to the site- enjoying your insight, wisdom and positive attitude in a variety of your communciations, particulary to Moms of afflited children. I am just beginning my research on Narrowband and am also a member of bc/bs. I am in Minnesota with a fairly progressive derm who has used UVA for some time. I am a long time UVA salon bed user and would like to switch over to something in home and effective. I am about to go to see her again as the monster has resurfaced this winter season with an unsurpassed vengence. I have spoke with her in the past and was told that she would givwe up a perscription for a light treatment in home unit. One thing bc/bs told me to make sure to get from my doctor was the CPT or HCCP code for the light treatment in my next consultataion. Then I can contact them regarding their coverage outlines.
Thanks again for the positive insights, support and well wishing.

[slg]

I am from Chicago, where the winters are bad. I have had about 30 Narrow Band UVB treatments and for the first time I am looking forward to summer. I can wear all the clothes that I have hesitated to wear in public becuase my p was so bad. I tried everything but nothing worked. For the first time in about 3 years I can be comfortable in short sleeves. UVB has been the best treatment I have found, especially because it is not a messy cream and it does not ruin clothes, sheets or make you smell like a medicine cabinet.
Enjoy being clear.
Shana