You have been prescribed treatment with UV-A light from a doctor at Department of Dermatology, Clinic 1.

The treatment will take place at Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 15, at the ground floor.

The treatment is normally prescribed three times a week, for at least 3-6 weeks and approximately 3 months.

UVA-1 treatment

UVA is short for UltraViolet A-light. Ultraviolet light is a part of natural sunshine and can be divided into two categories: Longwave UV-A and shortwave UV-B light. UVA-1 is the longwaved part of UVA-light and have a wavelength of 340-400nm.

UVA-1 treatment is an efficient treatment of several skin diseases that can otherwise be difficult to treat. The effect of the treatment is often long-lasting.

About the treatment

The treatment will take place in a cabin, where you will lay down. The treatment will begin slowly with only a few minutes in the beginning and will increase to about 30 minutes if you tolerate the treatment well. Halfway through the treatment you will have to turn over so you will get treatment on both sides of the body. Despite ventilation in the room, many patients feel bothered by the heat the machine produces during the treatment.

The nurse will administer the dosage according to the department’s guidelines.

It is important to protect the eyes during treatment. You will get a pair of solariumglasses that you need to wear during the treatment.

Men are recommended to wear single use sun-protective underwear, that are provided from the clinic.

You will have to schedule appointments with the nurse who is responsible for your treatment. You will get fixed appointments.

You will see a doctor halfway through your treatments, so that he/she can evaluate the progress and decide if you should continue the treatment. The doctor appointment will as far as possible be coordinated with your treatment appointments.

Risk of treatment

Your risk of wrinkles and aged skin will increase concurrently with the number of light treatments. We recommend that you cover your face during treatment to avoid wrinkles and aged skin, unless there is need for treatment in the facial area. There is a slight increased risk of developing skin cancer, when you receive light treatment, which is depends on how much general sun exposure and light treatment you have received during your life

After the treatment

Your skin can turn red for a period

Your skin can turn red right after the treatment. It will pass by itself and doesn’t need any treatment.There is always a risk of burns even though the dosage is slowly increased. Your skin will get tanned throughout the treatment.

Use moisturizer

Treatment with UV-light can make your skin dry. Therefore the use of moisturizer is an important part of the treatment. 

Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen

It’s important to avoid additional sunlight while getting the light treatment. If you can’t avoid the sun, please use sunscreen (SPF 30-50) or clothes like a hat or cap for protection.