- Reference Number: HEY1337/2025
- Departments: Dermatology
- Last Updated: 31 May 2025
Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your treatment. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.
What is a Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?
It is an ultraviolet treatment for skin disease which means the skin is exposed to very narrow and precise wavelengths of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB. TLO1). Exposure takes place in a specially designed cubicle containing fluorescent tubes around the walls.
Your treatment is under the supervision of Phototherapy Lead Nurse or medical staff.
It will be necessary for you to attend the department three times weekly during the course of your treatment.
The length of treatment course will vary from one patient to another. An average treatment for psoriasis would be 7 to 10 weeks.
Can there be any complications or risks?
Short term risks:
Many patients experience dryness and itching of the skin which is treated with a simple emollient/moisturiser. The nurse will give guidance about appropriate creams for use.
Some patients may experience prickling of the skin ‘prickly heat’, occasionally bad enough to necessitate stopping treatment.
Up to 30% of patients may develop mild to moderate sunburn at some point after treatment. A few people may have more severe sunburn although this is very uncommon and we try to minimise the risk.
Do report any burning or excessive discomfort as soon as possible. You may telephone Phototherapy room 01482 624192 PUVA room or 01482 623006 Reception
Cold sores may occur in susceptible people due to activation of the herpes virus as a response to UVB exposure. A sun block will be provided for use if previously identified cold sores.
Long term risks:
It is common for patients who have had UVB therapy for many years to show premature aging of the skin, e.g. dryness, freckling and wrinkling. There is also a small risk with prolonged exposure to UVB that skin cancers may develop. To minimize the risks, only the shortest course UVB is given to gain the best results.
It is advisable to share the information contained in this booklet with your partner and family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support. There may be information they need to know, especially if they are helping or taking care of you following this treatment.
How do I prepare for the assessment?
During your assessment a medical history will be taken so PLEASE BRING DETAILS OF ANY TABLETS AND CREAMS YOU ARE PRESENTLY USING. The do’s and don’ts along with risks and benefits will be covered at the time of your assessment. Please ask any questions that you need answering during this time. If any further questions occur during the course of your treatment please ask the nurse delivering your treatment.
You may have a light test carried out on a small area of skin on lower back/upper sacrum called an MED. This delivers differing low dose of UVB to your skin which can indicate the treatment strength you are able to commence on, to get the best response. You will need to record your reactions at home on a form supplied during your assessment. Full details of this will be given at your appointment.
What will happen?
You will need to attend the department three times weekly with a 48 hour gap between each treatment on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The length of treatment course will vary from one patient to another. On average this would be 6 to 8 weeks. Your agreed allocated time slot will be the same on each day of attendance during the course.
The effect of the treatment will be monitored carefully by the nurse at each attendance and any problems referred to the Phototherapy Lead Nurse or medical staff.
You will also be reviewed by the Phototherapy Lead Nurse or your Dermatologist after 20 treatments in the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic.
If you fail to attend for more than two treatments without informing us, you will be discharged back to the care of your GP and your appointment slot will be given to another patient.
What happens afterwards?
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Dermatology Department on tel: 01482 622262.
This leaflet was produced by the Dermatology Department, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and will be reviewed in 3 years from publication.
