A practical guide to choosing a home or clinical UV phototherapy device. HeyMedSupply is an authorized retailer of Kernel phototherapy equipment. This page is educational and is not medical advice — phototherapy should be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
What is UVB phototherapy?
UVB phototherapy is a light-based approach that exposes the skin to a controlled dose of ultraviolet B light. Dermatologists have used it for decades as part of the management of several chronic skin conditions. The two dominant technologies today are narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) at 311 nm and targeted excimer light at 308 nm. Both deliver UV energy to the skin, but they differ in coverage area, intensity, and typical use case.
Which conditions is UVB phototherapy used for?
Clinicians most commonly use NB-UVB and excimer phototherapy as part of the management of:
- Psoriasis — including plaque psoriasis on the body, scalp, hands, and feet.
- Vitiligo — to support repigmentation of affected areas.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) — for widespread or treatment-resistant cases.
- Other light-responsive conditions as directed by a dermatologist.
Whether phototherapy is appropriate, and at what dose and frequency, is a decision for your healthcare provider.
NB-UVB (311 nm) vs. excimer (308 nm): what's the difference?
Narrowband UVB (311 nm) lamps emit light across a broader treatment surface. They are well suited to widespread coverage — for example, treating large areas of the body — and are the workhorse of home phototherapy. Handheld and panel-style NB-UVB units are generally the most affordable entry point.
Excimer (308 nm) devices deliver a higher-intensity, more targeted beam. Because the energy is concentrated, excimer units can address stubborn, localized patches (for example, a resistant vitiligo spot or a thick psoriasis plaque) in fewer sessions, while sparing the surrounding healthy skin. Excimer LED and excimer laser systems sit at the higher end of the market and are common in clinic settings, with some models also suited to home use.
Home use vs. clinic use — how do I choose?
- Home NB-UVB lamps are designed for convenience and ongoing maintenance therapy prescribed by a physician. They save repeated trips to a clinic and let patients maintain a consistent schedule.
- Targeted excimer devices suit patients or practices that need higher intensity for small, resistant areas.
- Full-body cabinets deliver whole-body NB-UVB and are typically used in clinics, dermatology practices, and larger care settings.
How to choose the right Kernel device
A simple way to narrow the options:
- Coverage area. Small, localized patches → targeted excimer. Larger areas → NB-UVB panel or lamp. Whole body → a full-body cabinet.
- Setting. Home maintenance → a corded or cordless 311 nm lamp. Clinic → higher-intensity excimer or a cabinet.
- Budget. Handheld NB-UVB lamps are the most accessible; excimer laser systems and full-body cabinets are professional-grade investments.
- Guidance. Confirm the device type, dosing, and schedule with your dermatologist before purchasing.
Kernel phototherapy device comparison
Handheld 311nm NB-UVB Lamps — Comparison Chart
Home-use narrowband UVB lamps for psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema on the scalp, face, hands, feet and body.
| Specification | KN4003BL | KN4003BL2D | KN4006B | KN4006BL1D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  | |
| Name | Corded, Handheld 311nm UVB Lamp | Portable 311nm UVB Lamp | Stationary & Handheld Dual-Bulb 311nm UVB Lamp | Cordless, Dual-Bulb 311nm UVB Lamp, 2X Coverage |
| Setting | Home & domestic travel | Home, domestic & international travel | Home | Home, domestic & international travel |
| Price | $288.44 | $319.00 | $365.00 | $389.00 |
| Application | Psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis | Psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis | Psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis | Psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, atopic dermatitis |
| Ideal for Areas | Scalp & hairline Face & neck Hands & feet | Scalp & hairline Face & neck Hands & feet | Stationary: Hands & feet Detached: Shoulders, limbs & torso | Face & neck Hands & feet Shoulders Torso & limbs |
| Treatment Speed | Fast | Fast | 1.2X Faster | 1.2X Faster |
| Lamp Intensity | 4.5 mW/cm² | 4.5 mW/cm² | 5.5 mW/cm² | 5.5 mW/cm² |
| Light Source | 1 × 311nm Bulb | 1 × 311nm Bulb | 2 × 311nm Bulbs | 2 × 311nm Bulbs |
| Treatment Size | 8.5 in² | 8.5 in² | 16 in² | 16 in² |
308nm Excimer Devices — Comparison Chart
Higher-intensity 308nm excimer LED and laser systems for targeted, treatment-resistant patches; home and clinic models.
| Specification | KN4003B3 | KN4003B4 | KN5000C | KN308E | KN5000D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Name | Portable 308nm Excimer LED UVB Lamp | Portable 308nm Excimer LED UVB Pro Lamp | 308nm Excimer Laser | 308nm Excimer-like UV LED | 308nm Excimer Laser Pro |
| Setting | Home, domestic & international travel | Home, domestic & international travel | Clinics, hospitals & home | Clinics, hospitals & home | Clinics & hospitals |
| Price | $649.00 | $800.00 | $2,700.00 | $3,039.00 | $4,100.00 |
| Application | Localized vitiligo, moderately severe localized psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis & other autoimmune skin conditions unresponsive to topical treatments | Patients with long-standing or severe conditions, including vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema). Patients who have not responded to prior treatments. | |||
| Ideal for Areas | Face & neck, Hands & feet, Small localized patches on limbs & torso | Entire body, especially skin folds like elbows, eyelid, armpits, fingers, knees & toes | Entire body, especially skin folds like elbows, eyelid, armpits, fingers, knees & toes | Entire body, especially skin folds like elbows, eyelid, armpits, fingers, knees & toes | |
| Treatment Speed | 6.7X Faster | 8.8X Faster | 10X Fastest | 12X Fastest | 11X Fastest |
| Lamp Intensity | 30 mW/cm² | 40 mW/cm² | 50 mW/cm² | 60 mW/cm² | 55 mW/cm² |
| Light Source | 1 × 308nm UV LED | 1 × 308nm UV LED | 308nm XeCl Excimer Laser | High-power 308nm UV LED | 308nm XeCl Excimer Laser |
| Treatment Size | 1.24 in² | 1.24 in² | 3.1 in² | 3.1 in² | 3 in² |
Full-Body NB-UVB Phototherapy Cabinet
Kernel KN4001B — whole-body 311nm NB-UVB, clinic-grade
For practices treating widespread psoriasis, vitiligo or eczema, the KN4001B treats the entire body in one session instead of patch by patch.
- 40 Philips 311nm NB-UVB lamps delivering 6.4 mW/cm² of targeted, medical-grade UVB.
- 360° head-to-toe coverage — 52.7 ft² of irradiation with reflective panels for even exposure; most sessions take 30 minutes or less.
- 8-inch touchscreen with dose-controlled and time-controlled modes, patient profiles and treatment history.
- Built-in safety: in-cabin footswitch pause, call-for-assistance button, protective lamp grilles, instant-stop button and three cooling fans.
- Mobile and stable — wheels for repositioning, adjustable feet to level the cabinet; interior height 6 ft 1 in.
$29,999 Built to order — contact us for lead time and freight.
Safety and prescription notes
UV phototherapy devices are regulated medical products. Please note:
- Phototherapy should be used under the direction of a qualified healthcare provider, who will set your dose, schedule, and eye/skin protection.
- Some devices are intended for professional or prescription use. Confirm suitability with your dermatologist.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and wear the recommended UV-protective eyewear.
- Overexposure to UV light can cause burns and increases long-term skin-cancer risk; correct dosing matters.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 311nm and 308nm light?
311 nm is narrowband UVB, used for broader coverage and whole-area treatment. 308 nm is targeted excimer light — higher intensity, concentrated on small, resistant areas while sparing healthy skin.
Can I use a UVB phototherapy device at home?
Yes. Many patients use home NB-UVB lamps for maintenance therapy that a dermatologist has prescribed. Home use should follow your provider's dosing and schedule.
Which Kernel device is best for vitiligo?
For small, localized vitiligo patches, a targeted 308 nm excimer device (such as the KN4003B3 or KN5000C) is often preferred. For more widespread involvement, a 311 nm NB-UVB lamp or a full-body cabinet may be more practical. Your dermatologist can advise on the best fit.
Which device is best for psoriasis?
Widespread plaque psoriasis is commonly managed with NB-UVB (311 nm) lamps or a full-body cabinet, while thick or resistant plaques may respond well to targeted 308 nm excimer light. The right choice depends on how much of the body is involved.
Do I need a prescription to buy a phototherapy device?
Requirements vary by device and by region. Some units are intended for professional or prescription use. We recommend consulting your healthcare provider, who can confirm whether a device is appropriate for you and how to use it safely.
Are Kernel phototherapy devices used in clinics?
Yes. Kernel manufactures both home-use NB-UVB lamps and clinic-grade excimer and full-body systems, so the same brand covers everything from personal maintenance therapy to professional dermatology practice.
How do I get pricing on the full-body cabinet?
The full-body NB-UVB phototherapy cabinet (KN4001B) is priced at $29,999 and can be ordered directly on HeyMedSupply. It is built to order — contact us for current lead time and freight to your facility.
Shop UVB phototherapy devices
Browse the full range of Kernel UVB phototherapy devices at HeyMedSupply, or contact our team for help choosing the right unit for your practice or home.