Probably dumb phototherapy question

[D Foster]

I came across this recently in some old papers so I have scanned it .

• Male patients must cover their genitals with a snug fitting, close weave, dark coloured sock, thong or
underwear. It is very important that the exact same area of skin is covered during each exposure to UVB
and that it is never removed during treatment, in order to avoid sunburn and the potential risk of skin
cancer in this area.
What are the potential side effects of UVB treatment?
• Redness, burning and blistering of the skin: As with any form of sunlight, UVB may cause your
skin to become red, burnt and (rarely) blistered. We try to avoid this, but some tanning and redness of
your skin is likely. Please let the nurses know if your skin becomes red, burnt or blistered after
UVB treatment. This usually develops eight to 14 hours after your treatment.
• Dry skin and itching: UVB tends to cause dry skin and sometimes mild itching. It is important to
apply moisturisers regularly after you have UVB treatment to reduce this. Please let the nurses know if
you experience an itchy rash while having UVB treatment.
• Skin cancer: Just as sun exposure may increase your risk of skin cancer, the use of UVB may increase
your risk of developing skin cancer. The risk increases with the number of UVB treatments, so we will
give you as few treatments as possible.
• Premature skin ageing: Repeated use of UVB may age your skin. This is another reason for keeping
the number of UVB treatments as low as possible.
• Rashes: Please be aware that your skin condition could temporarily worsen during treatment.
Very occasionally patients develop an itchy, bumpy rash during the course of treatment known as
polymorphic light eruption. If this happens we may alter your treatment to allow this to settle.