Does narrowband UVB phototherapy treat hand eczema?

Hand eczema can involve redness, scaling, cracking, soreness, or itch. Narrowband UVB exposes affected skin to a carefully controlled band of ultraviolet light. Over a planned course, this can calm inflammatory activity in selected cases. Hands may be difficult to treat because their skin can be thicker and because the palms and sides of fingers receive light differently. The clinician may therefore adjust the approach to the affected areas and monitor the response closely. Phototherapy does not remove irritants such as detergents, solvents, frequent water exposure, or allergens that may keep the eczema active.

Ask a dermatologist to confirm that hand eczema is the correct diagnosis and to check for contact allergy, infection, or another hand rash. Bring a list of products and workplace exposures that touch your hands. During treatment, follow the prescribed schedule, use the recommended moisturiser, and protect your skin from avoidable irritants with suitable gloves. Tell the clinic if treated skin becomes increasingly red, tender, blistered, or unusually dark. Do not add tanning sessions or extra ultraviolet exposure, since this can increase irritation and complicate dose decisions.

Arrange prompt medical review if cracks are deep, bleeding, spreading, or interfering with sleep or work. Seek urgent advice for rapidly worsening pain, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or red streaks, which can signal infection. Contact the phototherapy team promptly after a session if you develop marked burning or blistering rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Would narrowband UVB suit the areas affected on my hands? What other treatment should continue during the course? How will you protect or assess uninvolved skin? What changes should make me pause treatment and call the clinic?