UVB Handheld Lamps

What narrowband UVB 311nm phototherapy is

Narrowband UVB is ultraviolet light restricted to a narrow band around 311nm. It is the wavelength used in hospital dermatology departments for psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic eczema, and it is a different treatment from broadband UVB and from PUVA.

The distinction matters. Older broadband UVB tubes emitted the whole 280–315nm range, including the shorter wavelengths that cause reddening and burning without adding therapeutic benefit. Narrowband tubes emit only around 310–313nm, which is why they became the clinical standard from the 1980s onward. Treatment times are slightly longer than broadband, but the burning wavelengths are largely removed.

These are medical devices, not sunbeds and not general-purpose UV lamps. A sunbed emits predominantly UVA for cosmetic tanning. A Dermfix handheld lamp emits narrowband UVB at 311nm for use on affected areas of skin.

Handheld versus whole-body treatment

A handheld lamp treats the area that needs treating rather than the whole body. For localised plaques, patches on the hands or feet, or scalp psoriasis, that means the rest of your skin receives no unnecessary exposure at all — which is the main safety argument for targeted phototherapy over cabinet treatment.

The Dermfix 1000MX is the compact handheld unit, supplied with interchangeable lenses: a flat screen for open skin and a comb attachment for areas covered by hair. The Dermfix 2000SX covers a larger treatment area in each pass, which suits more extensive patches.

Using a UVB lamp safely

UVB carries real risk and the safety guidance is not optional. Read the instructions supplied with your device and follow them rather than any general advice, including this page.

• Eye protection. Wear the protective eyewear supplied whenever the lamp is on. This is a requirement, not a comfort measure. UVB is invisible and causes no immediate sensation in the eye.
• Start short, build slowly. Exposure times in the supplied instructions start deliberately low and increase gradually. Skin that has not been exposed for a while starts again from the beginning.
• Skin type matters. Fairer skin reaches the same dose in less time. If you burn easily in sunlight, your exposure times should be shorter throughout.
• Photosensitising medication. A number of common medicines increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light — some antibiotics, diuretics, anti-inflammatories, retinoids and herbal preparations among them. If you take any regular medication, check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting phototherapy.
• Protect untreated skin. Cover or shield areas that do not need treatment.
• Stop if the skin reddens. Pink or sore skin after a session means the dose was too high. Wait until it settles and resume at a shorter time.
• Speak to your dermatologist. If you are under specialist care for psoriasis, vitiligo or eczema, tell them you intend to use home phototherapy. Home treatment works alongside medical supervision, not instead of it.

The evidence for home phototherapy

A randomised trial published in the British Medical Journal compared ultraviolet B phototherapy delivered at home against the same treatment delivered in an outpatient clinic. It concluded that home treatment was equally safe and equally effective, both clinically and in quality-of-life terms, and that it carried a lower burden of treatment and greater patient satisfaction. The full paper is linked from the 1000MX product page.

Separately, research from the Department of Dermatology at Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, reported that its study did not provide evidence of increased skin cancer risk in patients treated with either broadband or narrowband UVB phototherapy. That paper is also linked on the product page. We cite sources rather than summarising them into claims.

For a fuller explanation of how UVA, UVB and UVC differ and why narrowband replaced broadband, read our guide to UVB phototherapy.

Tubes, lenses and consumables

The narrowband tube is a consumable. Output falls with use, so a replacement 9 watt 311nm tube is needed periodically — as a guide, after approximately 400 operating hours. Replacing the tube restores the device to its original output; continuing past that point means longer sessions for the same effect.

Also available: comb and flat replacement lenses for the 1000MX, protective goggles, adjustable protection glasses, a replacement timer and a carry case.

Why Dermfix

Dermfix Ltd has been an ISO 13485 medical device manufacturer since 2009 and has supplied handheld narrowband UVB lamps worldwide for over twenty years. We design and build our own devices rather than rebadging general-purpose UV lamps, and we stock genuine replacement tubes, lenses and eyewear for them. Dispatch is from UK stock with UK support.

We also manufacture red light therapy panels — visible red and near-infrared light, no ultraviolet at all. A different part of the spectrum for a different purpose, from the same manufacturer.

Frequently asked questions

What is narrowband UVB 311nm used for?
It is the wavelength used in dermatology for psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic eczema. Whether it is appropriate for you is a question for your doctor or dermatologist.

Is a UVB lamp the same as a sunbed?
No. A sunbed emits mainly UVA for cosmetic tanning. A narrowband UVB lamp emits a narrow band around 311nm and is a medical device intended for treating specific skin conditions.

Do I need eye protection with a UVB lamp?
Yes, always. Wear the protective eyewear supplied whenever the lamp is switched on. UVB is invisible and causes no immediate sensation, so there is no warning if your eyes are exposed.

How often do I replace the UVB tube?
As a guide, after approximately 400 operating hours. Output falls gradually with use, so an old tube means longer sessions for the same result.

Can I use a UVB lamp if I take regular medication?
Check first. Several common medicines increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

What is the difference between the 1000MX and the 2000SX?
Treatment area. The 1000MX is the compact handheld unit with interchangeable flat and comb lenses. The 2000SX covers a larger area per pass, which suits more extensive patches.

Is narrowband UVB the same as red light therapy?
No. Narrowband UVB is ultraviolet. Red light therapy uses visible red and near-infrared wavelengths and emits no ultraviolet at all. They are different treatments for different purposes.

This page is general information about phototherapy equipment. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for the guidance of your doctor or dermatologist. Always follow the instructions supplied with your device.