When is narrowband UVB phototherapy recommended for hand eczema?

Hand eczema can cause redness, scaling, fissures, soreness, and itching on the palms, backs of the hands, or between the fingers. Repeated contact with water, soaps, cleaning products, gloves, metals, or workplace substances may keep the skin inflamed. A dermatologist may discuss narrowband UVB when the pattern is persistent, affects both hands, limits work or daily tasks, or has not settled with a suitable routine. The treatment uses a measured part of ultraviolet light in a clinic. Before recommending it, the clinician may review exposures, consider contact allergy, check medicines, and make sure infection or psoriasis is not being mistaken for eczema.

Use a bland moisturiser after washing and follow the prescribed plan rather than adding several new products at once. Wear task-appropriate protective gloves with cotton liners when advised, and reduce contact with detergents and solvents. Tell the phototherapy team about medicines, sun sensitivity, cold sores, and any new hand product. Attend the planned visits, use the eye protection supplied, and report excessive redness, tenderness, or blistering. Do not combine clinic treatment with tanning or a home ultraviolet lamp unless a dermatologist specifically directs it. Learn more in Narrowband UVB Phototherapy.

Seek medical advice if cracks become increasingly painful, discharge develops, redness spreads, or fever appears. Rapid swelling, severe pain, or loss of hand movement needs prompt assessment. Contact the phototherapy clinic about a burn-like reaction or blisters after a session so the exposure can be reviewed. Swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing, requires emergency care.

Ask whether contact allergy or workplace exposure is contributing, how light treatment fits with your current creams, and what improvement would look like. Clarify hand protection, moisturiser timing, eye safety, missed appointments, and the symptoms that mean treatment should pause.