How Long to Use a UVB Lamp for Psoriasis? A Complete Guide for Safe & Effective Results
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Psoriasis can be unpredictable, frustrating, and difficult to manage without the right tools. One of the most trusted treatments worldwide is narrowband UVB light therapy, known for reducing inflammation, slowing excess skin cell growth, and soothing flare-ups. But one question many people ask is: how long to use UVB lamp for psoriasis and how do you use it safely?
At Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, we provide therapeutic devices designed specifically to help manage chronic skin conditions, including the Narrowband UVB Lamp available on our website. This blog breaks down everything you need to know about treatment time, frequency, safety, results, and how to get the most out of UVB therapy — especially if you’re using our at-home lamps.
What Is a Narrowband UVB Lamp?
A narrowband UVB lamp emits 311nm wavelength light, the clinically preferred spectrum for psoriasis treatment. This wavelength is long enough to penetrate the skin’s surface effectively, yet safe and controlled to avoid unnecessary exposure.
Compared with broadband UVB or UVA therapy, narrowband UVB offers:
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Reduced risk of burning
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Faster improvement in plaque psoriasis
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More targeted therapeutic effects
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Fewer long-term side effects
Our 311nm handheld UVB Lamp is specifically designed for psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo — offering professional-grade light therapy in the comfort of your own home.
How Long to Use UVB Lamp for Psoriasis: The General Rule
The ideal exposure time varies depending on several factors:
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Skin type (fair, medium, dark)
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Severity of psoriasis
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Previous experience with UVB therapy
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Whether you're treating the scalp, body, elbows, knees, or face
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How your skin reacts over time
However, the general guideline for how long to use UVB lamp for psoriasis is:
Start with short exposure times — usually between 20 to 40 seconds per treated area.
This starting duration ensures your skin can safely adapt to UVB light without irritation or burning.
Over the following days and weeks, exposure times are gradually increased in small increments until the optimal therapeutic dose is reached.
Why You Should Start Slow
Narrowband UVB is safe, but still a form of controlled ultraviolet light. Your skin needs time to adapt. The goal is not to deliver long exposures — but consistent, measured therapy that slowly reduces plaques and redness.
Starting slow helps to:
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Prevent UV-related irritation
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Avoid burns
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Monitor how your skin responds
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Build tolerance gradually
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Maintain long-term safety
If you're using the lamp from our website, the included user guide gives recommended starting times and increments specifically designed for the 311nm device.
How long to use UVB lamp for psoriasis ?
Another part of understanding how long to use UVB lamp for psoriasis is knowing how often therapy should be performed.
The general medical recommendation is:
3 to 4 sessions per week, with at least 24 hours between treatments.
Daily use is not advised because UVB relies on controlled exposure and appropriate recovery time for your skin.
With consistent use, most people begin to notice improvements within:
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2–4 weeks for mild psoriasis
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4–8 weeks for moderate psoriasis
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8–12+ weeks for more stubborn plaque psoriasis
The key here is consistency, not intensity.
How long to use UVB lamp for psoriasis ....When to Increase Exposure Time ?
Once you tolerate your starting duration well (with no burning or irritation), exposure time is usually increased by:
5–10 seconds per session
This small increment ensures safe, gradual progress.
Things to keep in mind:
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If redness lasts longer than 24 hours, do not increase exposure.
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If significant redness or discomfort occurs, reduce exposure for the next session.
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Never increase time aggressively — slow progression leads to the best results.
If you are using our Narrowband UVB Lamp, its built-in timer allows you to precisely track each session, so you’re always safely within guidelines.
How Long Should One Full UVB Treatment Session Last?
Because UVB lamps treat one specific area at a time, the total session may involve several exposures. For example, if you have plaques on elbows, knees, and scalp, each area may require its own exposure time.
But the general maximum per area is:
Typically no more than 2–3 minutes per area for long-term treatment.
This maximum is only reached after weeks of controlled incremental increases — never in the first few sessions.
How Long Until You See Results?
Improvement varies person to person, but most people see:
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Reduced redness between 2–3 weeks
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Lower scaling & thickness between 3–6 weeks
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Significant clearing after 8–12 weeks of consistent use
The keyword here is consistency and following correct timing guidelines.
Is UVB Light Safe for Psoriasis?
When used correctly and with approved therapeutic devices like the ones on our website, narrowband UVB is considered one of the safest psoriasis treatments available.
Benefits include:
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No systemic side effects (like oral medications)
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No steroid withdrawal
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Safe for long-term use
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Suitable for widespread or localised plaques
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Safe for children (with medical guidance)
The 311nm light emitted from our devices is designed specifically for therapeutic use, with controlled intensity and reduced risk of burning compared to traditional phototherapy.
Areas You Can Treat With UVB
Our handheld UVB lamp is suitable for treating:
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Scalp (with the included comb attachment)
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Elbows and knees
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Hands and feet
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Facial psoriasis (avoid direct eye exposure)
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Localised plaques anywhere on the body
Because different areas respond differently, exposure times may vary slightly.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
To maximise your progress, here are practical and safe recommendations:
Use the lamp at consistent intervals
Skipping sessions disrupts progress. Set a reminder 3–4 times per week.
Stand the correct distance away
Your lamp includes spacing guidelines — distance matters for accurate dosing.
Keep the skin clean and dry
No lotions or oils before treatment.
Avoid natural sun exposure on treated areas
Your skin already receives controlled UVB.
Protect eyes and sensitive regions
Use goggles when needed, especially on the face.
Maintain a treatment log
Tracking your exposure time helps you stay aligned with safety guidelines.
Using Our Narrowband UVB Lamp for Psoriasis
The 311nm UVB Lamp available at Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies is purpose-built for:
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Fast results for plaque psoriasis
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Controlled wavelength delivery
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Precision treatment for small and large areas
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Safe home use
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Affordable, long-term therapy
Every device includes:
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Built-in timer
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Comb attachment for scalp therapy
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Usage guidelines
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Safety instructions
If you’re unsure how long to use UVB lamp for psoriasis using our device, our included guide provides clear dosing recommendations. You can also contact our support team for guidance on its safe operation.
When to Stop or Reduce UVB Treatment
Stop treatment immediately if you experience:
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Burning
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Painful or excessive redness
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Blistering
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Unusual skin sensitivity
Reduce exposure or skip a session if redness lasts more than 24 hours.
Once psoriasis clears, maintenance therapy may involve:
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1–2 sessions per week
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Lower exposure times
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Targeting only stubborn patches
This helps prevent flare-ups while keeping UV exposure to safe levels.
Final Thoughts: How Long to Use UVB Lamp for Psoriasis ?
The correct exposure time depends on your skin’s tolerance, starting slowly, and gradually increasing in small increments. In general:
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Start with 20–40 seconds per area
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Increase by 5–10 seconds each session
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Use the lamp 3–4 times per week
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Stop or reduce if irritation occurs
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Expect full results in 8–12 weeks with consistent use
Using an approved 311nm Narrowband UVB Lamp like the one offered on psoriasisandeczema.com.au gives you safe, controlled treatment — without relying on steroids or harsh medications.