How long does narrowband UVB phototherapy take to work for morphea?

Morphea causes areas of skin to become inflamed and then firmer or tighter. Ultraviolet treatment reaches the more superficial layers, so your dermatologist considers whether the affected skin is suitable before starting. Softer texture, less active colour change, or reduced tightness may appear gradually. A patch can look different in colour after inflammation settles without the underlying activity being fully assessed, which is why examination over time matters.

Attend each planned visit and tell your clinician if a patch is expanding, becoming tighter, or limiting movement. Keep the skin moisturised if advised, protect untreated areas, and report all medicines that could increase light sensitivity. Do not use additional ultraviolet exposure or alter treatment days without guidance. Photographing the same areas under similar lighting can help you and your dermatologist discuss change.

Contact your dermatologist promptly for rapidly enlarging or newly firm areas, worsening tightness, pain, ulcers, or reduced movement near a joint. Seek urgent care for severe skin blistering, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty. A new symptom during a course should be assessed rather than assumed to be normal treatment response.

Ask whether your morphea is superficial enough for this treatment, what physical change will count as progress, and when the course will be reassessed. Discuss how to monitor movement near affected joints and what alternative treatment would be considered if the skin remains active.