As you search for relief from scalp psoriasis symptoms such as fine scaling (flaking that can look like dandruff), itching, and plaques, you may have come across ultraviolet (UV) combs.

Some members of MyPsoriasisTeam have discussed using UV combs or phototherapy for scalp psoriasis. What are UV combs? How do they work? Can they help with scalp psoriasis?

In this article, we answer those questions and more.

What Is a UV Comb?

A UV comb is a handheld phototherapy device that uses ultraviolet light to help slow skin cell growth. The comb design allows UV rays from the light source to get past the hair and reach affected areas on the scalp.

Handheld phototherapy units with built-in combs are prescribed by a healthcare provider. The National Psoriasis Foundation also notes that all phototherapy treatments, including equipment for home use, require a prescription.

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UVB Light Therapy for Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is common, but estimates vary depending on what researchers measure. The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that 52 percent to 80 percent of people with psoriasis have experienced scalp psoriasis, while up to 43 percent currently live with scalp psoriasis.

UVB light therapy for scalp psoriasis uses ultraviolet B light. UVB is the type of UV light used most often in psoriasis phototherapy, and it can slow the growth of affected skin cells.

There are several types of phototherapy treatments that dermatologists may suggest for psoriasis. These include:

• Narrowband UVB light
• Broadband UVB light
• Excimer laser

Narrowband and broadband UVB differ in wavelength. They may be given as full-body treatment in a light unit or as focused treatment on affected areas.

How Does a UVB Comb Work for Scalp Psoriasis?

A UVB comb for scalp psoriasis is designed to part or move the hair so light can reach plaques on the scalp. This matters because hair can make scalp psoriasis harder to treat and can make it difficult to apply some topical medicines directly to the skin.

With in-office phototherapy, you may go to a treatment center, hospital, or dermatologist’s office. To be effective, most people need two or three treatments a week for several weeks, though some regimens require treatment five times a week.

A UV comb offers the benefit of treating scalp psoriasis at home, eliminating the need to commute. Your healthcare provider can help you decide whether home phototherapy is appropriate, choose a device, explain how to use it, and schedule regular follow-up appointments.

Home UVB vs. In-Office Treatment

The Light Treatment Effectiveness (LITE) study found that home phototherapy was noninferior to office phototherapy for plaque or guttate psoriasis across skin types. The same study supports home phototherapy as a first-line treatment option for psoriasis, including for people with no previous phototherapy experience.

UVB Combs vs. Full-Body Light Therapy

UVB combs and full-body light therapy have different goals. A UVB comb is a targeted device for a hair-covered area, while full-body phototherapy treats larger areas of skin.

A comb may be useful when psoriasis is mainly on the scalp. Full-body treatment may make more sense when plaques affect many parts of the body. Your dermatologist can help match the type of phototherapy to the location, severity, and pattern of your psoriasis.

Can a UV Comb Help With Scalp Psoriasis?

Research suggests that UVB combs may help some people with scalp psoriasis, but the evidence is limited and based mostly on small studies.

A 2021 review reported that handheld phototherapy devices can help overcome the challenge of hair blocking scalp treatment and that UVB phototherapy delivered by handheld devices has been effective in clearing scalp plaques.

The same review described a small pilot study in which a broad-band UVB fiber-optic comb improved scalp psoriasis and was well tolerated. In that study, 14 adults completed treatment three times a week for up to 12 weeks, and the treated scalp areas improved compared with the untreated control areas.

Newer evidence also supports UV light for scalp psoriasis more broadly. In a randomized study of 68 people with scalp psoriasis, both UVA1 and narrowband UVB phototherapy reduced the severity of scalp psoriasis after six weeks.

More research is still needed on UV combs specifically. Ask your healthcare provider how strong the evidence is for your situation and how a UV comb would fit with your other scalp psoriasis treatments.

What MyPsoriasisTeam Members Say

Although several members have asked about UV combs for phototherapy, only a few have reported trying them. This is what they said:

• “A UV comb helped ease the pain and itch factor for my scalp psoriasis.”
• “My at-home unit helps me keep a lid on flare-ups!”
• “I feel much better after my third treatment. My skin is less scaly and soft. I’m so excited about my scalp!”

Another MyPsoriasisTeam member was interested in trying a UV comb, but their doctor talked them out of it. “My dermatologist said a UV comb is a waste of money, so I haven’t tried it,” the member shared.

Will a UV comb help you? It might. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance. While it won’t replace your other scalp psoriasis treatments, a UV comb could be a helpful addition to your treatment plan.

UV Comb Risks and Side Effects

Although phototherapy is generally considered safe, there are potential risks and side effects. A dermatologist can help you manage most of them. These are some risks and side effects to consider before using a UV comb:

• Skin discoloration or tenderness that might look and feel like a sunburn
• Stinging or burning that is usually mild
• Increased risk of skin cancer
• Age spots, wrinkles, and other signs of early aging
• Freckles
• Dark spots, which are more common in people with medium-to-dark skin tones
• Increased itching

Other potential but rare risks include blisters and burns. A little skin discoloration may be expected after phototherapy, but ask your healthcare provider when a skin color change, tenderness, or burning becomes a cause for concern.

You and Your Doctor Are a Team

There are many treatment options for scalp psoriasis, including corticosteroids, oral medications, injections, and shampoos or lotions containing coal tar or salicylic acid. There are also many over-the-counter treatments promising to ease flaky skin, itchiness, and other scalp psoriasis symptoms.

While your scalp psoriasis treatment plan may be a combination of treatment options, always consult your healthcare provider before trying something new.

Your doctor is the best person to ask for guidance to ensure you get safe and effective care.

If you’re comparing scalp psoriasis with dandrufflike flaking, it may also help to read about scalp psoriasis versus dandruff.