UVB Light Therapy

Once we have reviewed the referral form, we will contact you to arrange an appointment for a pre-assessment. This is to ensure that your condition is suitable for treatment and to explain the treatment procedure, benefits and short- and long-term potential risks. In most cases this pre-assessment appointment will also include carrying out a Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) test which allows the starting dose for treatment to be safely calculated based on your skin type and response to a low dose of NbUVB.

Treatment is delivered as a course and it is important to attend all the planned appointments to achieve a good response. Missing appointments will result in the dose needing to be lowered or potentially the treatment discontinued.

Your skin will be assessed before each treatment.
Treatments are usually short and generally well tolerated but allow 30 minutes for each appointment.
An expected response to light therapy is feeling warm during and/or afterwards.

Yes, either via one of our in-house Consultant Dermatologists or an external Consultant Dermatologist.

You will meet: 

A qualified Light Therapist

Ensure that you know the dates of any planned holiday or times when you will not be able to attend.

Bring a list of your current medication, including any supplements.

If you have had previous light therapy elsewhere, make a note of the clinic/hospital details as we will need to request a summary of your treatment.

Treatment will continue until the course is completed, as long as you are tolerating the treatment well, or your symptoms resolve. Any unused sessions will be saved on your patient account and may be used for further light therapy treatment.

If you fail to attend 2 appointments, treatment may be discontinued but this will be discussed with you and your Consultant Dermatologist.

A discharge letter will be sent to your referring Consultant Dermatologist, who may request to review you. You will also be advised to continue with your moisturising routine and taking care with sun exposure.

NbUVB is the safest form of light therapy and it is typically very effective.

Light therapy is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) regulatory body and we comply with the British Association of Dermatology guidelines, using best clinical practice to ensure treatment is as safe as possible.

Yes, a friend or family member may attend the appointment with you.