The Children’s Hospital New Orleans Dermatology Department is now
offering narrowband UVB phototherapy at the Children’s Hospital
Specialty Care Center in Metairie. Phototherapy with narrowband UVB light
is used to safely treat a variety of chronic skin conditions. The therapy
typically consists of treatments occurring 2-3 times per week for several
months, and sometimes longer depending on the condition and patient’s
response. It is an effective, safe, and painless option for widespread
skin disease. Children aged 3 to adult are appropriate candidates for
this treatment.
Conditions commonly treated include:
Atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
How narrow-band UVB phototherapy works
Narrow-band UVB phototherapy is the most common form of phototherapy used
to treat skin conditions. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light, the same
light found in natural sunlight, to deliver the wavelengths most useful.
Individuals receive treatment in the clinic using specialized light bulbs.
Phototherapy uses the optimal part of the UVB light spectrum to reduce
inflammation in conditions like atopic dermatitis and to stimulate melanocyte
growth for individuals with vitiligo. With narrow-band UVB light, exposure
time can be longer than with traditional broadband UVB treatments yielding
more effective results.
Refer a patient
To learn more about phototherapy and determine whether a child may be a
candidate for treatment, please contact our Pediatric Dermatology office
at 504.896.9583. Treatments are covered by most insurance carriers, including
Louisiana Medicaid. Referring providers may submit a request for evaluation
through Epic or by contacting the Pediatric Dermatology office at the
numbers below.
Scheduling Department Phone: 504.896.2888
Fax: 504.896.2889
