Phototherapy

There are several types of phototherapy, each using a different type of ultraviolet (UV) light and a range of wavelengths. Your Welbeck dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate type of phototherapy for your condition. 

Types of phototherapy include: 

• narrowband UVB (nbUVB) – this uses ultraviolet light in the UVB range, at a wavelength of 311 nanometres. Narrowband UVB is particularly effective for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.  It can also be used for pruritus, prurigo, lichen planus and urticaria. Narrowband UVB  is the preferred method of phototherapy nowadays, as it’s much more effective than the older type of broadband UVB phototherapy

• broadband UVB – this is an older, more traditional method that involves exposing your skin to the full range of UVB wavelengths to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema

• psoralen plus ultraviolet-A radiation (PUVA) – this uses UVA light and involves taking a medication called psoralen before treatment to make your skin more sensitive to the light

• lasers – this uses a pulsed ultraviolet (UV) laser that targets specific areas of your skin

Before your treatment begins, you’ll be given protective clothing, eyewear, guards, and sunscreen to cover areas of your body not being treated.

You’ll then stand in a booth, similar to an upright tanning bed, and the treatment will begin. 

Treatment usually lasts a few minutes, but can be just a matter of seconds depending on your skin condition. If only a small area of your body is affected, your treatment may be delivered using a small hand-held laser device.

While phototherapy is a generally safe procedure, like all medical treatments, there is a small risk of adverse effects.  

Your dermatologist will explain all the possible risks and side effects of phototherapy before your treatment and answer any questions you may have. 

Possible side effects of phototherapy include: 

• skin irritation, including redness, dryness and itching, and rarely blistering or scabbing

• temporary darkening or lightening of your skin

• hair loss in the treated areas 

• temporary worsening of your skin condition

• reactivation of cold sores if you’ve had them previously  

• increased risk of premature ageing

Before your phototherapy treatment, tell your dermatologist about any medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you’re taking. 

Avoid exposure to the sun and don’t use sunbeds before your phototherapy session and for the duration of your treatment. 

On the day of your phototherapy session, take a shower or bath, but don’t apply any products such as lotions, makeup or perfume to your skin. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treated area.

Depending on which skin condition you have, and the size of the area affected, you may need to take certain medications or soak your skin in a solution before treatment. Your consultant dermatologist will discuss and explain any treatment preparation with you at your initial consultation.

After your phototherapy session, you may experience short-term burning and itching. Cold sores can also be triggered if you’ve had them previously. Your consultant will advise you on how to manage any side effects. 

It’s important to wear protective clothing and sunscreen after your treatment when you go outdoors to help avoid overexposure to UV light, which can damage your skin.

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please contact the centre for advice.

Please contact our Skin Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a phototherapy treatment, you must be referred by a dermatologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.