How does narrowband UVB phototherapy work?

A medical phototherapy unit emits a narrow portion of UVB light. The dose is selected for your skin and condition, then adjusted according to the skin's response. Light can reduce inflammatory signalling and alter the activity of immune cells in the skin. This may ease itchy skin and scaling in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, hand eczema, guttate psoriasis, or some cases of morphea.

Treatment is usually given in a clinic or with a prescribed home unit under supervision. The affected area must receive the planned exposure, while sensitive areas may be covered. Improvement is gradual, and maintenance may be discussed if symptoms return.

Attend sessions on the schedule provided and tell the clinic about medicines or products that increase light sensitivity. Protect eyes as instructed, do not add unplanned sun exposure, and record redness or discomfort after each session. Moisturiser may help dryness when approved. Never increase exposure time independently, even if an earlier session caused little reaction.

Tell the phototherapy team about painful redness, blistering, marked burning, new persistent pigment change, or an eye symptom after exposure. Seek urgent care for severe eye pain or vision change. A flare, infection, or rapidly changing plaque also needs clinical review.

Which areas will be treated, how will my dose be adjusted, which medicines should I pause or report, and what reaction is too strong for the next session?