The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Ultraviolet phototherapy (UVB)
LIGHT TREATMENT FOR SKIN CONDITIONS
HCA UK provides light treatment for skin conditions to treat a range of disorders, including psoriasis and eczema.
What is ultraviolet phototherapy?
Ultraviolet phototherapy is used to provide an alternative method of treatment for inflammatory skin conditions. It uses fluorescent light bulbs and ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths of light to clear the condition and reduce inflammation.
Phototherapy can help to treat a range of chronic skin conditions including: psoriasis, eczema, polymorphic light eruption, generalised itching, pityriasis lichenoides, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, lichen planus and vitiligo.
There are two main types of ultraviolet phototherapy UVB:
- broadband UVB (BBUVB), where the full UVB light spectrum is used.
- narrowband UVB (NBUVB), where a small part of the UVB light spectrum is used.
Need to know
During ultraviolet phototherapy, the treatment is given in a walk-in light box that contains fluorescent light bulbs. Ultraviolet phototherapy is quick, non invasive and pain-free.
Ultraviolet phototherapy UVB is a very safe procedure; however there are some risks and side effects involved which your consultant will explain to you.
Ultraviolet phototherapy treatment typically takes a few seconds initially, and this will gradually increase to several minutes over the course of your treatment. In order to get the maximum benefit from the therapy, you will need to have treatment two or three times a week, over a course of up to 30 sessions.
During the treatment, you will be required to undress and wear goggles for the protection of your eyes, as well as a visor (or face shield) if the skin on your face is unaffected.
Ultraviolet phototherapy treatment typically takes a few seconds initially, and this will gradually increase to several minutes over the course of your treatment. In order to get the maximum benefit from the therapy, you will need to have treatment two or three times a week, over a course of up to 30 sessions.
During the treatment, you will be required to undress and wear goggles for the protection of your eyes, as well as a visor (or face shield) if the skin on your face is unaffected.
After the procedure, you should be free to go home straight away, once the nurse has analysed your condition. They will also advise you on how to best manage your ongoing treatment and pain relief and whether your usual daily routines will be affected.
You may experience some redness or blistering after your treatment, it’s important to tell us if this happens. You may also find that your skin condition worsens temporarily after treatment. Again, you should inform your specialist nurse or consultant if this happens, in case we need to adjust your treatment to let it settle down.
You may experience some redness or blistering after your treatment, it’s important to tell us if this happens. You may also find that your skin condition worsens temporarily after treatment. Again, you should inform your specialist nurse or consultant if this happens, in case we need to adjust your treatment to let it settle down.
Our Ultraviolet phototherapy (UVB) locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.