A touch screen or touch screen appliance includes built-in UV LEDs. The LEDs sterilize the touch screen at start-up, and periodically during operation. The LEDs may be disposed at the edges of the glass display such that the UV light is completely internally reflected within the glass display to prevent damage or strain to the user's eyes. Alternatively, the LEDs may be disposed behind the glass display, potentially also behind a UV fluorescing or phosphorescing layer to sterilize the glass from behind. Alternatively, the LEDs may be disposed in a layer in front of the glass display, or at angles around the perimeter of the glass display.
