NB-UVB

Medical abbreviation · Dermatology

NB-UVB stands for Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy, a dermatology abbreviation.

Light treatment using a narrow band of ultraviolet B at about 311 nanometers, given two or three times a week in a dermatology office or with a home unit. It treats psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and early cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Example: NB-UVB three times weekly, session 14, psoriasis BSA down from 15 to 6 percent.

Usage notes

Narrowband lamps were introduced in the 1980s and largely replaced older broadband UVB and PUVA because they are more effective than broadband and safer than PUVA. Side effects include sunburn-like redness. Courses commonly need 20 or more sessions for clear improvement. Eye protection is required during treatment.

Related abbreviations

More dermatology abbreviations

• LP – Lichen planus
• LS – Lichen sclerosus
• MCC – Merkel cell carcinoma
• MIS – Melanoma in situ
• MM – Malignant melanoma
• MMS – Mohs micrographic surgery
• NMSC – Nonmelanoma skin cancer
• PASI – Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
• PDT – Photodynamic therapy
• PIH – Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• PR – Pityriasis rosea
• PsO – Psoriasis

See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.