Handheld Phototherapy Treatment Singapore

Dr. Liew Hui Min

accredited consultant dermatologist

Handheld phototherapy is a medical treatment that uses controlled ultraviolet (UV) light (a form of light therapy using specific wavelengths) to treat specific areas of the skin affected by chronic dermatological conditions. The device allows precise delivery of UVB light to target localised patches, making it especially suitable for conditions affecting small or sensitive areas. It is portable and therefore convenient to be performed in the comfort of your home.

Indications Benefits Technique Procedure Risks FAQ

Indications for Handheld Phototherapy Treatment

Handheld phototherapy may be recommended for several chronic skin conditions:

Psoriasis: This autoimmune condition causes overactive skin cell production, creating thick, scaly patches. Phototherapy helps slow down this excessive cell production and reduces the inflammation associated with psoriatic plaques.

Vitiligo: When skin loses its pigment-producing cells, white patches appear on various body parts. Phototherapy stimulates melanocytes (pigment cells) to restore colour in depigmented areas.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): For moderate to severe cases where topical treatments alone aren’t sufficient, phototherapy reduces inflammation and itching.

Benefits of Handheld Phototherapy Treatment

Targeted Application

Handheld phototherapy devices deliver UVB light directly to specific problem areas, allowing for precise treatment. This approach minimises exposure to surrounding healthy skin, which reduces the risk of unnecessary side effects and improves treatment efficiency.
Effective for Localised Conditions

This method is particularly well-suited for treating small or isolated patches of skin affected by conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, or eczema. It’s especially beneficial for areas like the face, neck, hands, elbows, and knees, where precision is important due to cosmetic concerns or sensitive skin.
Short Treatment Times

Each session is relatively quick. Depending on the condition and area treated, exposure may last from a few seconds to a few minutes per patch. This makes it a convenient option for patients with busy schedules who need a time-efficient treatment.
Minimal Downtime

Handheld phototherapy is a non-invasive procedure with little to no recovery time. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after each session, making it easy to fit treatments into a regular routine.
Monitored Progress

All treatments are performed under clinical supervision. This ensures that light doses are tailored to your skin type and response, with ongoing adjustments made as needed.

Handheld Phototherapy Treatment Technique

Handheld phototherapy uses narrowband UVB (311–313 nm), the most widely recommended wavelength for treating localised skin conditions. It provides targeted therapeutic effects with fewer side effects than older broadband systems.

Treatments are performed using medical-grade equipment under clinical supervision, with UVB dosing carefully controlled by adjusting exposure time and technique based on your skin’s response.

What to Expect During Handheld Phototherapy Treatment

Before Treatment

Your skin will be assessed to determine the appropriate UVB dose. Your dermatologist or nurse will go through the step-by-step guide to perform this treatment yourself at home.

During Treatment

Protective eyewear will be provided.
Only the affected area is exposed; surrounding skin is covered.
The handheld device is positioned a few centimetres from the skin and applied for 15–30 seconds per area, depending on your treatment plan.
The device is repositioned as needed to cover additional areas.

After Treatment

Treated skin may appear slightly red or warm, which is the expected immediate outcome.
Apply fragrance-free moisturiser if needed to prevent dryness.
Skin response is monitored to guide future dose adjustments. Treatment dose will increase depending on the appearance of redness on the treated sites.

Follow-up Care

Frequency: Typically 2–3 sessions per week
Results: Visible improvement often occurs after 8 – 16 weeks
Maintenance: Some conditions may need ongoing treatment to sustain results

Potential Risks and Complications

When performed in a controlled clinical setting, handheld phototherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated. Common reactions include mild redness, temporary skin dryness, and increased pigmentation in treated areas. Some patients experience itching or a prickling sensation during or after treatment. Rare but more serious risks include blistering from overexposure. To ensure accurate dosing and minimise risks, treatment should be performed under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist, who will tailor the protocol based on your skin type, response, and any concurrent medications.

Long term side effects could be skin ageing, pigmentation and possible skin cancer, in particular those with fair skin. Hence, it is crucial to follow up with your dermatologist to ensure the treatment response is going according to plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the treatment painful?

No. The procedure is non-invasive and typically causes only mild warmth or a slight tingling sensation during exposure.

How long does each session take?

Treatment duration depends on the size and number of areas being treated. Most sessions are completed within 5 to 15 minutes.

Should I stop my current medications?

Not necessarily. Your dermatologist will assess any medications you’re taking to determine if adjustments are needed, especially if they increase sensitivity to light.

Can I apply creams or medications before the session?

The treatment area should be clean and free of products before exposure. Your dermatologist will advise if any topical medications should be paused or applied after treatment.

Can I go outdoors after treatment?

Yes, but you should apply sunscreen to exposed areas and follow your dermatologist’s sun protection advice, especially if you’re prone to photosensitivity.

Dr Liew Hui Min

Dually Accredited Dermatologist In Singapore and the UK

Dr. Liew Hui Min is an accredited consultant dermatologist from the Ministry of Health and the General Medical Council UK.

Her clinical interest includes:

Paediatric Dermatology,
Women’s Dermatology,
General Adult Dermatology.

Having trained in major London Hospitals, Dr Liew returned to Singapore in 2014 as a Consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) where she specialised in paediatric, women, obstetric and vulva dermatology. Currently, Dr Liew practices at The Skin Drs. clinic located at Gleneagles Hospital.

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