Whether you’re treating psoriasis or vitiligo, a consistent routine around your 308nm sessions makes all the difference. Use this simple checklist to stay safe, maximize results, and minimize side effects.

✅ Before Treatment

☐ Consult your dermatologist
Confirm that 308nm phototherapy is right for your skin type, condition, and medical history (especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of skin cancer).

☐ Perform a test spot (first session only)
A small, low‑dose pulse on a discreet area helps determine your minimal erythema dose (MED).

☐ Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours
Tanned or sunburned skin is more likely to burn. If you’ve been in the sun, reschedule.

☐ Do not apply irritating products
Skip retinoids, exfoliants, or harsh soaps on the treatment area for 24 hours beforehand.

☐ Cleanse and dry the skin
Remove makeup, lotions, or oils from the area so the light penetrates evenly. Do not apply heavy occlusives (petroleum jelly) before treatment.

☐ Put on protective eyewear
Your provider will give you UV‑blocking goggles. Never look directly at the light source.

☐ Bring a list of current medications
Some drugs (e.g., antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics) increase photosensitivity. Your provider needs to know.

✅ During Treatment

☐ Position comfortably
Sit or lie still. The handheld device will be placed directly against each lesion.

☐ Communicate sensations
You should feel mild warmth or a gentle snap. If you feel sharp pain or intense heat, tell your provider immediately.

☐ Ensure full coverage
For larger plaques, the technician may overlap spots slightly. Ask them to double‑check any curved or hard‑to‑see areas (elbows, knees, scalp).

☐ Keep still for 5–15 minutes
Sessions are short. Relax and breathe normally.

☐ Verify dose settings
If you use a home device, double‑check that the fluence (mJ/cm²) matches your prescribed protocol.

✅ After Treatment

☐ Expect mild pinkness
A slight, even pinkness that appears within 24 hours and fades within 24–48 hours is ideal. This means the dose was effective.

☐ Redness or burning is not normal
If you see bright red, blistered, or painful skin, the dose was too high. Stop treatment and contact your provider.

☐ Moisturize gently
Apply a fragrance‑free, non‑irritating moisturizer to treated areas on non‑treatment days. Avoid heavy creams immediately after laser.

☐ Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours
Treated skin is more sensitive to UV. Use broad‑spectrum SPF 50+ (mineral sunscreen preferred) and cover up when outdoors.

☐ Do not scratch or pick
Let any scaling or flaking resolve naturally. Picking can cause post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

☐ Log your response
Keep a simple diary: date, dose, reaction (no pinkness / mild pink / red / burned), and any side effects. This helps your provider adjust future sessions.

✅ Long‑Term Maintenance

☐ Stick to your schedule
Twice‑weekly sessions are standard. Missing sessions delays results.

☐ Reassess every 10–15 sessions
For psoriasis: expect thinning and fading by 4–8 sessions. For vitiligo: first pigment dots often appear at 15–30 sessions.

☐ Combine with topicals if prescribed
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus) or vitamin D analogues can boost results. Apply on non‑treatment days unless instructed otherwise.

☐ Schedule regular skin checks
If you have a history of skin cancer or actinic damage, see your dermatologist every 3–6 months during treatment.

☐ Know when to take a break
If you achieve clearance, taper to maintenance (e.g., once every 2–4 weeks). If you plateau after 4–5 months, a 2‑month break may restore sensitivity.

Final Tip

Print this checklist and bring it to your first appointment. When in doubt, always ask your dermatologist or certified technician. A little preparation goes a long way toward safe, effective, and lasting results.

Your 308nm Phototherapy Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After Treatment

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