Some skin conditions can be treated with ultraviolet radiation, which is a type of light that’s not visible. These are defined as photoresponsive skin conditions – the most commonly treated are psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a type of skin cancer). This type of treatment does not cure the condition; often treatment needs to be continued or symptoms may return.

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy is the most common type of therapy for these conditions. It involves exposing the affected person to ultraviolet radiation. Treatment is usually done in an outpatient setting, such as a clinic or doctor’s office. However, people who have difficulty getting to a clinic may benefit from narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy in their home.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective home narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy is for people with some photoresponsive skin conditions. It looked at the budget impact of publicly funding home narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. It also looked at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with photoresponsive skin conditions.