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Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is a procedure that uses UVB rays to treat several skin conditions. Treatment with UVB light works by reducing inflammation.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of energy emitted by the sun and include UVA and UVB rays. Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment uses very narrow and precise wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation (UVB.TLO1), making it a safer and more effective treatment than traditional broadband UVB phototherapy.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is, what conditions it can help to treat, and what happens during the procedure.
The cost of this procedure depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant’s outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.
There are several types of phototherapy treatments available. Your consultant will decide on the best type of treatment for you depending on your diagnosis.
In addition to narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment, other types of phototherapy treatments include:
- Broadband UVB phototherapy treatment - Uses artificial UVB light to treat or control a range of skin conditions
- PUVA (photochemotherapy) - uses UVA rays combined with a medication called psoralen that you take before treatment to make your skin more sensitive to the light.
- Lasers - emit UV light and can be targeted at specific areas of your skin
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment can be used to treat a range of skin conditions including:
Your consultant may recommend narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment if you have a skin condition that may be improved by this treatment. Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is not a cure and isn't effective for everyone. It may put your symptoms into remission temporarily, but it is likely that you will need further treatments in the future.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment has many benefits including:
- It is painless
- Treatment sessions are quick, lasting an average of one to ten minutes
- Is often effective for patients whose skin condition has not responded to other treatments
- It is safer and more effective than conventional broadband UVB treatment
- It has longer remission periods (periods when your disease is not active) than conventional broadband UVB treatment
At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant dermatologist, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the skin.
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health and medical history. They will perform a physical examination of your skin. In some cases, your consultant may order tests to confirm your diagnosis or rule out any other skin conditions.
Why is this first consultation so important?
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it's where you meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. It is very important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your treatment, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is suitable for you based on your diagnosis, general health, medical history and expectations for treatment.
Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment. Instructions will also be in your appointment letter. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions about how to prepare for your treatment, call the hospital for advice. Being well-prepared for your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment will help your treatment session go more smoothly as well as ease any anxiety you may have.
Before your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment:
- Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have, and any medications, creams or ointments including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking
- Avoid exposure to UV light including natural sunlight, sunbeds and tanning lamps for the duration of your treatment
- Avoid alcohol on days when you have treatment
- Leave any jewellery at home when attending your treatment session
- Follow your consultant's advice on when to apply moisturisers and sunscreens. In general, you should not apply moisturiser or sunscreen for two hours before your treatment session but will be given instructions on using them afterwards.
Before you begin your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment, your consultant may arrange for you to have a series of small test doses, called an MED (Minimal Erythema Dose). This involves giving you test doses of UVB light on your back or arm and helps your consultant decide what dose your treatment should be started at.
Before your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment, your consultant or a nurse will examine your skin, ask you some questions about your health and explain what happens during the procedure.
Please ask any questions you may have at this time.
Depending on the part of your body being treated, you may need to remove all of your clothing except your underpants. You will be given goggles, or full face protection to wear during your treatment.
Men need to wear genital protection whilst receiving narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
If you are having treatment on a specific part of your body such as your hands or feet, we may use a smaller phototherapy machine that just treats those areas.
A nurse will show you how to stand in the correct position in the phototherapy machine while you have your treatment.
Your first treatment takes around 30 seconds which may be increased in subsequent sessions to a maximum of 14 minutes depending on your diagnosis, skin type, and your response to your previous treatment.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is not painful, but the light emitted by the machine is bright, and you may feel warm during the longer treatment sessions. Let the phototherapy department staff know if you feel uncomfortable.
How many narrowband UVB phototherapy treatments will I need?
You will need to attend two to three treatment sessions per week and can expect to have a total of 15 to 30 treatments depending on your skin condition and how you respond to treatment.
Recovering from narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is normally quick and most people can return to normal daily activities the same day.
You may develop mild skin pinkness after your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
If you experience discomfort, skin redness or feel hot a few hours after your treatment, please tell a member of staff at your next appointment.
You will need to protect your skin from exposure to UV light while you are undergoing narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
While you are undergoing treatment:
- Limit foods that contain psoralen such as carrots, citrus fruits, celery, parsnips, and parsley
- Do not use sunbeds or expose your skin to sunlight
- Cover up with protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses when in the sun
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or above at least twenty minutes before going outside
- Avoid using perfumed skin care products
How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is performed as a day case, and you'll be able to go home shortly after your treatment session is finished.
Will I be able to drive home?
You may be able to drive yourself home after your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment as long as you feel well enough and take measures to protect your skin from the sun.
How soon can I go back to work?
Most people can return to work the same or the next day after narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
How soon can I drive?
As long as you feel well enough, you can drive straight away after your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
When will I be back to normal?
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is a painless, non-invasive procedure and most people can resume normal daily activities straight after treatment.
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is a generally safe procedure, but in rare cases, complications may occur. Most complications or side effects of treatment are mild and get better on their own.
The most serious complication of narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment is an increased risk of skin cancer. This is more common in people who have undergone multiple treatments. Your consultant will discuss this with you as well as any other potential risks and complications before your treatment and answer any questions you may have.
We encourage you to be as well-informed as possible about any potential risks and complications as this will allow you to make an informed decision.
Possible complications of narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment include:
- Worsening of your skin condition symptoms - this is usually temporary
- Redness and discomfort (similar to sunburn)
- A suntan - if you tan easily, you may develop a suntan during your treatment
- Dry skin - apply an emollient two to four times a day to relieve any dryness
- Itching - applying emollients or taking over-the-counter antihistamines can help with this
- Rash - an itchy rash (prickly heat) can develop six to 24 hours after treatment
- Cold sore flare-up (if you have a history of cold sores) — using lip balm with SPF before treatment can prevent this
- Folliculitis - small pus-filled spots (pustules) and mild inflammation can occur temporarily around your hair follicles
- Premature ageing of your skin
- Skin cancer (this is rare)
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- A range of delicious healthy meals
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in October 2024. Next review due October 2027.
An Update on Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy for the Treatment of Skin Diseases PubMed
Narrowband UVB Phototherapy (TLO1) Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Narrowband ultraviolet (UVB) treatment The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Phototherapy-NB-UVB British Association of Dermatologists
