Dermatology - Psoracomb Ultraviolet B (UVB) for Scalp Treatment

Phototherapy Unit
Ground Floor, Turnberg Building
Salford Royal Hospital
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust

For new patient appointments: 0161 206 4226

To cancel/change appointments: 0161 206 1343
https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/patient-information/ your-appointment

For any emergencies related to treatment
Monday - Saturday (7:45am – 4pm): 0161 206 0226
Outside these hours: 0161 206 4012 (Ward M3)

This leaflet aims to answer the most asked questions, but please feel free to ask your nurse or doctor if you are unsure of anything.

What is UVB?

UVB means ultraviolet B. These special wavelengths of light are included in sunlight.

What is a Psoracomb?

This is a handheld comb device fitted with UVB lamps. It is used to treat scalp skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Where do I have Psoracomb treatment?

This is carried out in the Phototherapy Unit, ground floor, Turnberg Building, near main outpatient. You may attend here as an outpatient or inpatient for your treatment. The Unit staff includes doctors, nurses and technicians.

What happens when I get there?

On your initial visit (approximately 1 hour), a special test (MED test) will be performed to determine the starting dose of UVB phototherapy that is required. You will be required to re-attend on the following day for the reading of the test to take place before treatment can commence.

The phototherapy nurse will first go through the phototherapy dos and don’ts, and consent procedure. You will then be shown how to operate the Psoracomb.

Your first treatment will be administered under nursing supervision. Overall, this session may take up to one hour.

How long will I have Psoracomb treatment?

This varies from person to person, but a course may last up to 15 weeks. Treatments are usually given twice a week, for up to 30 sessions. Each individual session may last a few minutes with the total visit taking up to half an hour. The staff will assess you at each visit. If required a doctor will see you.

Dos and Don’ts

• Do bring a list of your creams and medications on your first visit
• Do inform the staff of any change in your medications (tablets and creams) as this may interfere with the treatment
• Do continue using your prescribed scalp treatments unless told otherwise
• Avoid application of scalp treatments less than 2 hours prior to using the Psoracomb as it may interfere with the UVB treatment
• On the day of treatment, do not use perfumed products such as cosmetics, perfumes or aftershaves as these can make your skin more sensitive to the light
• Do not use salicylic acid preparations or any moisturiser containing soft yellow paraffin before treatment as this can act like a sunscreen and stop the treatment working
• Do wear the protective goggles provided during treatment
• Do not use sunbeds or sunbathe throughout the course of treatment
• Avoid severe haircuts during your course of treatment. If you have very long or thick hair, it is advisable to cut your hair prior to starting treatment as this will aid the penetration of UVB into your scalp
• Avoid eating or handling large quantities of celery, parsnips, carrots, citrus fruits, figs and parsley as they may make your skin more sensitive to the light
• If you have a history of cold sores, total sunblock (at least SPF 50) should be applied to your lips prior to each treatment.

Unwanted side effects that could happen during a course of Psoracomb treatment:

• You may get a sunburn reaction on your scalp during your course
• You may get a spotty, itchy rash to your scalp during your course (about two in 10 people do)
• You may develop a dark tan to your scalp. Your scalp may become dry

If you experience any of these reactions, your moisturiser will help to soothe your skin. If you are very uncomfortable please discuss this with your nurse. A doctor will be asked to see you if necessary.

Unwanted side effects that could happen after a course of Psoracomb treatment:

Skin Cancer

People who have a lot of sunlight exposure have an increased risk of skin cancer. In fair-skinned individuals, approximately one out of 10 will develop a skin cancer.

Photoageing

It is also possible if you need many treatments that you may develop sunlight induced skin changes with wrinkling and skin discolouration, like that of the ageing process or produced by cigarette smoking.

Review:

You will be asked to attend for a specific skin cancer review once you have received more than 500 UVB treatments.

Final Points:

• UVB treatment is safe during pregnancy
• Please inform staff if you are unable to attend
• Valuables are your responsibility

Your UVB treatment is planned specifically for you. If you have questions about any aspect of your treatment, please ask any member of staff while you are having your treatment.