This leaflet provides information on treatment with narrowband UVB which is used to treat a number of skin conditions. You will have received further information about your specific condition. It covers the actual treatment, the risks involved and advice on what you should and shouldn’t do before and after treatment. If you have any further questions, please ask a member of staff.
What is narrowband UVB?
Ultraviolet radiation from artificial light sources have been used by dermatologists for over100 years and is widely used and effective for treating a number of skin conditions. Choice of UVB over other forms of light treatment depends on a wide range of factors including age, disease, skin type, previous therapy, current medication etc. In Newcastle we use narrowband UVB (TL01) which is often more effective than conventional broadband UVB in the treatment of psoriasis and possibly other skin diseases too. We may therefore recommend it even if previous conventional (broadband) UVB treatments have been disappointing.
What is the aim of treatment?
The aim of the treatment is to clear your skin, although it will not be effective in everybody. It is difficult to know how long your skin will remain clear for after treatment, but it is likely that you will require further treatment in the future. Most patients are not routinely followed up after successful treatment, but you can ask your GP to refer you back if further treatment is required.
Are there any rsks?
The most common side effect of this treatment is erythema/sunburn-like reaction to exposed skin, if this occurs you must inform the phototherapy team prior to your next treatment.
Other potential short term side effects include:
- Cold sores (if you are prone to these, cover the area affected with sun block before you have ultraviolet treatment).
- Polymorphic light eruption (a usually itchy spotty reaction appearing within a few hours to a day following treatment).
- Blistering within areas of psoriasis.
- Worsening of skin disease.
- Dry/ itchy skin.
- Tanning – is an increase in pigmentation to the treated area.
Please inform the phototherapy nurse prior to your treatment if you experience any side effects.
Longer-term side effects of repeated courses of UVB include skin ageing and potentially skin cancer. Skin cancer risk is related to total lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light, as well as other factors such as how easily you burn. However, narrowband UVB is safer than PUVA (an alternative form of phototherapy involving a Psoralen and ultraviolet A).
Dos and Don’ts
- If you do not wish to wear the hospital gowns, you can bring your own.
- Dry flaky skin will deflect the light, rendering UVB therapy ineffective.
- Please moisturise your skin at least 3 times per day.
- You can moisturise your skin up to 2 hours before your exposure to light
- Please avoid using moisturiser and make up that contains SPF unless directed otherwise by the phototherapy team.
- Please use your prescribed steroid ointment/other topical treatment every evening as necessary.
- Avoid fragrances and sunblock before treatment unless you have been told otherwise.
- Always remember to inform the doctor or nurse if you are taking, or about to start any new medications including herbal medications (prescribed or otherwise) or cream while having UV therapy.
- Never use a sunbed and keep sunlight exposure to a minimum during your course of treatment as this may cause erythema (sunburn).
- On bright days, protect treated areas from the sunlight, by wearing long sleeves, a hat etc. Sun block (SPF 30) can be used after treatment or on non-treatment days.
- Clothing/underwear & Jewellery e.g. rings; if worn at the start of treatment should be worn at every treatment thereafter, as areas covered at the start will cause a sunburn reaction if subsequently exposed.
- In order to maximise the benefits of UVB regular and punctual attendance is essential.
Your treatment
The unit is open Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 4.45pm. Following your consultation with the doctor in the phototherapy clinic, your named nurse will discuss your appointment and treatment procedure with you. Patients are advised to attend promptly for their scheduled appointment days and times
Treatment is given either twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday, or three times a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Appointments are given on a block booking basis. A course of treatment will last up to 8-12 weeks (24-30 treatments).
At the first visit an arm test may be performed on small patches of normal skin on your arm. This is read 24 hours later and tells us how sensitive your skin is to the treatment. It allows us to choose a safe but effective dose of UVB to start the course of treatment. At subsequent visits the increase in dose depends on disease and skin response (or lack of response) after the previous treatments. Treatment is given as a prescribed dose of J/cm2.
Ideally you will develop mild skin redness/pinkness with no discomfort after each treatment. You must inform the phototherapy nurse prior to your treatment if your skin becomes sore or uncomfortable. All treatments are nurse supervised and given in stand up cabinets surrounded by fluorescent lamps.
Goggles must be worn at all times unless specified by the prescribing doctor.
Men should avoid exposing the skin of the penis and scrotum to ultraviolet light. To allow treatment to your thighs/ buttocks, it is best for men to wear a jockstrap or a black sock to protect the genital area during treatment. More information is available from nursing staff.
UVB is safe to use in pregnancy.
For further information
Please be advised that you will be discharged if you miss 3 appointments without notifying our department. In case of any queries please contact the Phototherapy department via email on nuth.phototherapy@nhs.net or by telephone on 0191 282 0871 or 0191 282 0872 between the hours of 7.30am – 4.45pm. For urgent advice about this treatment out of hours please ring Ward 5 on 0191 282 5599.
Useful websites:
If you would like further information about skin conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at:
www.bad.org.uk/site/1223/Default.aspx
www.dermnetnz.org/procedures/narrowband-uvb.html
www.psoriasis.org/phototherapy
If you have any concerns during your treatment please discuss this with the Phototherapy team.The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can offer on-the-spot advice and information about the NHS. You can contact them on Freephone 0800 032 02 02 or e-mail northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk
