Dermatology - UVB (Ultraviolet B) Phototherapy

Phototherapy Unit
Ground Floor, Turnberg Building Salford Royal Hospital
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

For new patient appointments: 0161 206 4226

To cancel/change appointments: 0161 206 1343
https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/patient-information/ your-appointment

For any emergencies related to treatment
Monday - Saturday (7:45am – 4pm): 0161 206 0226
Outside these hours: 0161 206 4012 (Ward M3)

This leaflet aims to answer the most asked questions, but please feel free to ask your doctor or nurse if you are unsure of anything.

What is UVB?

UVB means ultraviolet B. These special wavelengths of light are included in sunlight.

Which conditions are treated with UVB?

Psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and many other skin conditions. It is also used as a skin hardening treatment for people with light sensitive conditions.

Where do I have UVB?

UVB treatment is carried out in the Phototherapy Unit, Ground Floor, Turnberg Building, near the main outpatient department.

You may attend here as an outpatient or inpatient for your treatment. The Unit staff includes doctors, nurses and technicians.

What happens when I get there?

The phototherapy nurse will first go through the phototherapy dos and don’ts and the consent procedure with you.

On your initial visit, a special test (MED test) will be performed to determine the starting dose of UVB phototherapy that is required.

You will be required to re-attend on the following day for the reading of the test to take place.

This is then followed by UVB phototherapy.

How long will I have UVB treatment?

This varies from person to person, but a course may last between 6-10 weeks. Treatments are usually given 2 or 3 times a week, for up to 30 sessions.

Each individual session may last a few minutes, with the total visit taking up to half an hour.

The staff will assess you at each visit and if required a doctor will see you.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do bring a list of your creams and medications on your first visit
• Do not wear any clothing during treatment
• Male patients must wear a sock for genital protection. Please bring a clean, dark sock for this purpose
• Do wear the close-fitting goggles and face visor provided while you are in the phototherapy cubicle (unless otherwise specified)
• Do inform the staff of any change in your medications (tablets and creams) as this may interfere with the treatment
• Do continue to use moisturisers during your course of treatment. If you use any other treatment creams the nursing staff will tell you if you should carry on using them
• On the day of treatment, do not use perfumed products such as cosmetics, perfumes or aftershaves as these can make your skin more sensitive to the light
• If you are on Protopic ointment (Tacrolimus) or Elidel cream (Pimecrolimus), please stop using this two weeks before starting phototherapy, (unless directed otherwise by your photodermatologist)
• Do not use salicylic acid preparations or any moisturiser containing soft yellow paraffin before treatment, as this can act like a sunscreen and stop the treatment working
• Do not use sunbeds or sunbathe throughout the course of treatment
• Avoid severe haircuts during your course of treatment
• Avoid eating or handling large quantities of celery, parsnips, carrots, citrus fruits, figs and parsley, as they may make your skin more sensitive to the light
• Avoid alcohol prior to your treatment
• If you have a history of cold sores, do apply total sunblock to the affected area prior to each treatment

Unwanted side effects that can happen during a course of UVB

• You may get a sunburn reaction during your course, which in more severe cases could blister
• You may get a spotty, itchy rash during your course (about 2 in 10 people do)
• You may develop a dark tan
• Your skin may become dry

If you experience any of these reactions, your moisturiser will help to soothe your skin.

If you are very uncomfortable, please discuss this with your nurse. A doctor will be asked to see you if necessary.

Unwanted side effects that can happen after a course of UVB

Skin Cancer

People who have a lot of sunlight exposure have an increased risk of skin cancer. In fair-skinned individuals, approximately 1 out of 10 will develop a skin cancer.

Photoaging

If you need many treatments, it is also possible that you may develop sunlight induced skin changes with wrinkling and skin discolouration, like that of the ageing process or produced by cigarette smoking.

Review

You will be asked to attend for a specific skin cancer review once you have received more than 500 UVB treatments.

Final points

•    UVB treatment is safe during pregnancy
•    Please inform staff if you are unable to attend
•    Valuables are your responsibility

Your UVB treatment is planned specifically for you. If you have questions about any aspect of your treatment, please ask any member of staff while you are having your treatment.