How long does narrowband UVB phototherapy take to work for hand eczema?

Hand eczema may first feel less itchy or tight before cracks, thickened areas, and scaling look better. Because hands are washed and exposed to soaps, water, friction, and work materials, irritation can continue even while the inflammation is settling. Improvement in one area does not guarantee that every patch will respond at the same pace. The phototherapy team checks both benefit and sensitivity before increasing or maintaining exposure.

Go to visits according to the plan and bring up painful fissures, new products, glove use, and work exposures. Apply the recommended emollient after washing and use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers when advised. Wear protective gloves for wet tasks as directed, while avoiding prolonged sweaty occlusion if that worsens your eczema. Never compensate for a missed session by changing the dose yourself.

Call the clinic if treated hands develop marked burning, persistent redness, worsening pain, or blisters. A sudden increase in warmth, swelling, drainage, crusting, or fever can indicate infection and needs prompt assessment. Emergency care is needed for breathing trouble or swelling of the lips or face.

Ask when your hands will be reviewed, whether cracks need separate treatment, and which moisturiser or prescription should be used around appointments. Confirm how to protect your hands at work and what symptoms mean the next exposure should be delayed.