NINEWELLS HOSPITAL & MEDICAL SCHOOL
DEPARTMENT OF DERMATOLOGY - PHOTOBIOLOGY UNIT
HOME PHOTOTHERAPY EQUIPMENT ( HoPE)
ULTRAVIOLET B (UVB)
ASSESSMENT OF SKIN FOR THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF UVB
Why should I assess my skin?
It is extremely important that you assess your skin in order to identify the side effects that may occur as a result of UVB phototherapy. You must assess your skin regularly throughout the treatment course, e.g. prior to going to bed on the evening of your treatment; the next day, and prior to your next treatment.
What side effects could occur?
The main possible short-term side effects that could occur as a result of UVB phototherapy are:
1) Erythema (sunburn-like reaction reaction)2) Rash
3) Itch
4) Dry skin
5) Cold sores
6) Blisters
The main side effect that could occur is an erythema. There are four different grades of erythema, and they are simply named Grades 1 – 4. Now refer to the pictures of the following grades of erythema. REMEMBER – An erythema, no matter what grade, will be visible approximately 4 hours after treatment.
Each grade of erythema has different symptoms
GRADE 1 ERYTHEMA
This reaction is slightly pink/red in colour. It will develop on the day of treatment, and settle within a day. This grade of erythema does not feel hot and is not uncomfortable.
GRADE 2 ERYTHEMA
This reaction is obviously red in colour. It will develop on the day of treatment but will still be there approximately two days later. This grade of erythema does not feel hot, but may feel slightly uncomfortable.
GRADE 3 ERYTHEMA
This reaction is very red and feels like a sunburn. Your skin will feel hot and painful, which can last for two to three days. The symptoms will reduce in severity as the days pass.
GRADE 4 ERYTHEMA
This is a severe erythema. Your skin would feel very red and hot, with blisters. This reaction is very painful and may make you feel unwell. This reaction can last for four to five days. The symptoms will reduce in severity as the days pass.
What should I do if I develop any of these side effetcs?
If your skin feels dry and itchy, apply your moisturiser more often during the day throughout the treatment course. If this does not relieve these symptoms, contact the nursing staff in the Photobiology Unit for advice. If you develop a cold sore or rash during the treatment course, contact the Photobiology Unit for advice.
If you develop an erythema, follow these instructions:
Telephone the Photobiology Unit for advice as soon as possible. Do not administer any more UVB light therapy. If you carry on treating yourself, you may cause a more severe erythema. If you develop a Grade 3 or 4 erythema outwith the working hours of the Photobiology Unit, you should telephone Ward 24, Ninewells Hospital for advice (see Patient Information sheet for contact details). Record the grade of erythema, the area affected and the action taken on your Treatment Recording Sheet.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
· Following an erythema, never ignore the advice of the nurse as this could cause a severe sunburn reaction.
Home_UVB_skinassess/SusanYule/200813 Review Aug 2014
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