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UVB narrowband phototherapy uses a UVB light to treat reveal common skin conditions. Book an appointment online today.
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.
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:
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment can be used to treat a range of skin conditions including:
Narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment has many benefits including:
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.
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.
Before your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Most people can return to work the same or the next day after narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
As long as you feel well enough, you can drive straight away after your narrowband UVB phototherapy treatment.
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:
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.
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