What to expect from narrowband UVB phototherapy for atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis often causes itchy, inflamed, dry skin. Narrowband UVB exposes affected areas to a selected band of ultraviolet light under clinical supervision. The clinician sets the exposure according to your skin and treatment response, then reviews redness, dryness, itch, and active patches over time. Sessions are brief, but benefit usually requires a planned course rather than one visit. It is not a tanning treatment.

Attend appointments consistently and tell the team about medicines, light sensitivity, new rashes, cold sores, or recent sun exposure. Follow instructions about emollients and which products to avoid before treatment. Wear the supplied eye protection and cover areas the clinician has excluded. Mild warmth or pinkness can occur; use the recommended moisturiser and report a stronger reaction before the next session.

Contact the phototherapy team if redness becomes painful, blistered, markedly swollen, or continues to intensify after a session. Seek urgent medical help for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread blistering. A sudden change in your usual eczema pattern also deserves review.

Ask how many visits may be planned, which areas will be treated, how your dose will be adjusted, and how to combine phototherapy safely with creams or other eczema medicines.