308nm UVB vs. 311nm Narrowband UVB: What’s the Difference?
Both 308nm UVB and 311nm narrowband UVB are medical phototherapy wavelengths, but Wellue is built to concentrate treatment where it is needed. Its 308nm LED delivers 20 mW/cm² through a targeted handheld window for small, localized or hard-to-position areas, rather than exposing a broad skin surface. Compared with a lower-irradiance 311nm device, it can deliver a prescribed UVB dose in less exposure time.
Is Home UVB Phototherapy Safe? What the Research Says About 308nm and Skin Cancer Risk
Home UVB phototherapy isn't risk-free, and treating it as risk-free would misrepresent this FDA-cleared device's own labeling. Research on targeted 308nm treatment shows mixed, dose-dependent findings: some studies find no increased skin cancer risk after 100+ sessions, others link risk to cumulative dose.
This device's dose-controlled sessions and physician-guided courses reflect that same evidence.
It's an FDA-cleared, LED-based ultraviolet phototherapy device that delivers a targeted 308nm ± 2nm UVB wavelength, the same wavelength range used in clinical excimer phototherapy to localized areas of skin.
Is this the same technology dermatologists use in the clinic?
It uses the same 308nm UVB wavelength range as clinical excimer phototherapy devices. It's a smaller, home-use version with a limited treatment window, intended for localized/targeted areas rather than large-area or full-body treatment.
Is this the same thing as a tanning lamp or a UV sunlamp?
No. This device emits a narrow, targeted 308nm UVB wavelength for a medically indicated purpose (psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis) under physician guidance, it is not designed or intended for cosmetic tanning.
How does treatment actually work?
You set a target dose (in J/cm²) on the device, place the treatment window gently against the affected skin, and start the session. The device automatically stops emitting light once the set dose has been delivered, typically a matter of seconds to a couple of minutes per area, depending on the prescribed dose.
Throughout your treatment journey, Wellue Guide helps you determine the next appropriate dose based on your skin’s response while keeping a record of your sessions and progress.
Is This Right for Me
What conditions is this device intended to treat?
Per its FDA-cleared indications for use: psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis (eczema), for use on intact skin only.
Is this suitable for large or widespread skin involvement?
Is this suitable for large or widespread skin involvement? This device is built for small, localized, targeted areas, the treatment window covers a limited surface area per session. For widespread or large body-surface involvement, a clinic-based, full-panel phototherapy system is typically more appropriate; discuss which approach fits your case with a dermatologist.
Does this work for all skin tones?
Dosing is adjusted by skin type (Fitzpatrick scale) rather than being one setting for everyone: Skin Type I–III starts at a lower dose (0.10 J/cm²) than Skin Type IV–VI (0.20 J/cm²).
Can this be used on children?
This device is not recommended for use on children because it was not developed or tested in pediatric patients. If you are considering using it for a child, please consult a qualified physician first so they can assess whether the treatment is appropriate and safe for the child’s specific condition.
My condition is in a flare or spreading quickly, should I start now?
Per the treatment protocol: during a rapid-developing stage of vitiligo or psoriasis, new lesions can appear regardless of whether phototherapy is used, UV exposure doesn't cause the spread, but it also doesn't stop it. The protocol recommends getting the condition under control with systemic treatment first, then starting phototherapy. This is a conversation to have with your physician before purchase.
Trust & Credibility
Is this device FDA cleared?
Yes, FDA 510(k) K242908, cleared December 19, 2024, Class II, under regulation 21 CFR 878.4630 ("Ultraviolet lamp for dermatologic disorders"), Product Code FTC.
Is this an over-the-counter product or does it require a prescription?
It's a prescription-only (Rx) medical device. The FDA clearance specifies it's intended for at-home use under a physician's guidance.
How It Compares
How does an at-home device compare to going to a dermatology clinic for phototherapy?
Clinic-based systems typically cover larger body areas in a single session and are supervised in person. A home device is built for convenience and localized, ongoing maintenance treatment between or instead of clinic visits.
What's the difference between 308nm and 311nm (narrowband) UVB?
Both are UVB wavelengths used in dermatologic phototherapy. 308nm — the wavelength this device uses — is associated with targeted/excimer-style phototherapy for localized lesions; 311nm narrowband UVB is more commonly associated with broader-panel systems for larger treatment areas. Which is appropriate depends on the size and location of the affected area — a question for your physician.
Getting Started / Purchase
Do I need to see a doctor before I can buy this?
Yes. This is a prescription device — FDA clearance specifies use under physician guidance.
Is this available outside the United States?
This product is currently sold and shipped within the United States only.
What's included when I order?
Your order includes:
Wellue 308 UVB Phototherapy Device
4 treatment-area covers
AC power adapter
UV protective goggles
2 storage pouches
Portable wrist strap
Cleaning and custom coverage cloth (≥99.95% 308 nm UVB reduction)
Complimentary access to Wellue Guide for personalized dose guidance, treatment tracking, and ongoing support
How long does shipping take, and what's the return policy?
Free shipping. The referenced transit time is 8-10 business days for shipping in the USA.
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 30 days of receiving your order for a refund.
This return policy applies to products purchased directly from www.getwellue.com. Once we receive the returned item, the refund will be issued to your original payment method. Items damaged for reasons not covered by the warranty are not eligible for return or refund under our 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee.
Before returning your order, please contact our support team at support@getwellue.com for return instructions. We provide 24/7 email and ticket support and are happy to assist you throughout the return process.
Setting Expectations
How long before I see results?
This varies by condition and individual response. Per the User Manual: for psoriasis and eczema, 20–25 sessions are typically enough for symptoms to subside; vitiligo treatment can take considerably longer. If there's no improvement after 3 months at the latest, the manual recommends contacting a physician to discuss whether to continue. Treatment is done every second day (3–4 times per week), so a full course is measured in months, not days.
Does it work for everyone?
Response to phototherapy varies by individual, condition, and how the treatment is followed.
Is home UVB therapy safe?
Yes. when it is prescribed and used as a controlled treatment plan. Wellue 308 is an FDA 510(k)-cleared prescription device for targeted 308 nm UVB phototherapy at home under physician guidance. It is designed for use on intact skin and for selected treatment areas, not for broad, uncontrolled UV exposure.
Unlike sunlight, which varies in intensity and exposes large areas of skin, targeted 308 nm UVB delivers a measured dose only to the affected patch. You set the prescribed dose in J/cm², place the treatment window over the area, and the device stops automatically once that dose has been delivered. This keeps each session dose-based and repeatable rather than based on guesswork or time alone.
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