May. 13, 2024
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Posted by tommo
plaque psoriasis, various sized patches on various parts of body.
Hi LouLou88, If mine lasts 10 years without relapse I will be well chuffed. 7 weeks down with uvb treatment, 1 week left. I seem to be averaging 3 years between treatments.How come 6 months, that's not the norm is it ?
Posted by BC1986
I have had psoriasis since I was 16 (I am now 26). I had it in small patches EVERYWHERE. Ears, arms, legs, torso, back, scalp, face!! I have
Hi there, I finished my UV therapy treatment a month or so ago and was extremely happy with the results. I had to go to hospital 3 times a week (Mon, Weds, Fri) for 9 weeks. I was told to keep using my Dovobet gel whilst having my treatment which I think was a mistake. I did as instructed but noticed that the psoriasis areas where disappearing but going darker than my actual skin tone. The patches are still dark but have faded slightly. A month or so on, I have a few patches that have reappeared but I am using sunbeds (i know, i know, they're very bad for you) and also using my small UV lamp light at home on the small areas. I would definetly recommend people getting UV therapy. The first treatment will last 1 minute and then gradually they increase the time by 10/20% each time. I did get burnt once when I went on - if you do, let the nurses know and they will keep you at the same time for another session - it's better to do this than to burn yourself again!! Good luck!
Posted by babsrose
Now 73, have had psoriasis since I was six. Since I was 25 years I have been able to keep it at a minimum but constant awareness is key to
Gosh, are they still dealing out this type of treatment. Ultra Violet light was used back in the 50's. I remember standing semi nude in the London Hospital with other sufferers having our two weekly dose of ultra violet light. Got a nice tan. After that got my own lamp to treat myself at home but in those days one had to get a prescription just to buy ithe lamp Good luck. Hope it helps. Be warned though Psoriasus can return and one just has to keep at it, keep on with the ointments every day, twice a day if necessary. Rather like cleaning one's teeth it becomes a routine, a way of life. Psoriasus can also disappear and then pop up again. One trick for a big patch, say on the elbows is to put a thick layer of cream on the patch and seal it in with clingfoil or clear plastic and leave it there for a few days. Does wonders. I have had psoriasus since 6 years old, now 73 and think I do know all the tricks.
Posted by vstable
I have severe psoriasis on my feet and hands, plus patches on calves and elbows.... it is painful all the time.
I still have a narrowband light unit looking for a home - let me know if you want to hear more details - I can send the specifications.
Posted by Amandine
Plaque Psoriasis since childhood, now nail psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, eye problems, the full monty really!
Firstly, congratulations to all those finding solutions with diet changes. Personally I have tried anti-candida, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, fat-free, green leafy veg & lean protein, juicing, and none of them made it better. In fact the juicing actually made it worse! So I went back to eating my normal diet and coincidentally the huge patches on my buttocks that had lingered for 2 years, started to get better. But it is only a coincidence. I am starting PUVA therapy in January and have already been told there are a lot of do's and dont's. I am nervous about it, especially reading some of your comments about it coming back worse than ever.
Posted by helhal
I have had psoriasis for 18 months and am desperate for relief. No treatment has worked for me yet.
Hi EmilyB, I am a new member, having lurked for a while. I started light therapy last week and had my 3rd session today so will keep you updated.
Posted by helhal
I have had psoriasis for 18 months and am desperate for relief. No treatment has worked for me yet.
Sorry, just realised you posted this in January. Hope the light therapy is working for you :)
Posted by helhal
I have had psoriasis for 18 months and am desperate for relief. No treatment has worked for me yet.
Sorry, just realised you posted this in January. Hope the light therapy is working for you :)
Posted by helhal
I have had psoriasis for 18 months and am desperate for relief. No treatment has worked for me yet.
Sorry, just realised you posted this in January. Hope the light therapy is working for you :)
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Posted by lennypops (edited Tue 9 Jun 2015 10.49 by cllm)
i have had 90% body and scalp coverage since childhood
I have suffered from psoriasis since i was very small, im 34 now and i have literally had every form of treatment imaginable, im 90% covered most of the time when i go by GP only methods, but i have had lond periods of almost completely clear when i have tried various other things. Light therapy worked but traveling back and forth was not an option for me so i used snbeds, at first 3 times a week and once the skin was healed one or 2 times a week to keep it cleared, kids came thought and time for sunbeds departed, i drank a root milk called kiefer, its soemthing you can purchase online and grow in room temp milk for 12 hours, you drain the milk and keep it and replace the milk in the jar with the root and leave overnight, if you drink this everyday the entire condition clears up, this worked for me and im planning on purchasing more of this on ebay again as my condition has come back to a full 90% of my body. I have tried various supplements, dietary changes, and methods i found online. None of them are permanent and soemtimes impossible to sustain, SO the kiefer method and sunbeds im returning too as time tested for me makes me normal with absolutely no scales on body or scalp, i also have it in my nails and ears and all of this clears up xx
Posted by Leannea93
Took 3 weeks to be diagnosed first I had an allergic reaction (with a sore throat) then a skin infection and was given anti biotics and fina
Hi I'm new to this and got diagnosed 3 weeks ago after having 2 different diagnosis' firstly I had an allergic reaction then it never cleared went back a week later and got told I had a skin infection and had to take antibiotics went back again as nothing was working and seen a skin specialist who told me what it actually was and it was caused by a throat infection I had 3 weeks before she said it wasn't worth being referred to proper treatment by the time I get referred it will of gone but I have no self confidence in myself as it's from my neck down to my toes and worse in some areas. Will be interesting to hear how treatment has gone. I'm going back to skin clinic in May to asked to be referred Thanks Leanne
1
Posted by cathy2
Since I was 8 y.o.
It has been v.effective with me - was about 80% covered & I could start to see it clearing after about 6 treatments. I have done about 20 now and it is beginning to fully clear. Hope to be finish with it soon. Good luck with the treatment - be patient & golden rule always moisturise! Catherine - xo
Posted by Dianne
My son has this condition.
Hi lennypops Can you tell me how you are doing on the Kiefer drink. Thanks
Posted by Joe Bagadonuts
Physical pain
Emotional pain
Greetings Emily, As with any psoriasis treatment they don't all work the same for everyone. UVB works very well for me and very fast. Complete clearing except for the scalp with my full head of hair which the UVB can't get through. You start with low treatments (A few seconds - usually three times a week) and if you don't burn you can increase your time (Seconds at a time) at each new treatment. If you're consistent, within a few months (Could take more than a year) you'll have a nice tan and clear skin. Ones goal would be to reach that amount of time where you are clear and only need to come in once a week for maintenance treatment. The cons: *If you miss more than seven days they shorten the treatment time and you need to work your way back up - seven days (Once a week) you remain at the treatment time of your last. Miss two weeks and you start from the beginning time. *That being said you're chained to the treatment facility. Go on vacation away from home and you lose time in the box. *It can be difficult to attend geographically speaking or to take time off from work three days a week. *It takes MUCH discipline and sacrifice to get to that one-day-a-week maintenance schedule. For me it's worth it. Hope it works for you. Happy healing to us all and be well Ms Emily B. Joe
Posted by Freethinker
I cured my psoriasis in 12 days by applying electronic cigarette liquid (propylene glycol and nicotine) to the affected areas. The areas had
Hello, I cured my psoriasis in 12 days by applying electronic cigarette liquid (propylene glycol and nicotine) to the affected areas. The areas had thick scales, and scabs from my scratching when extreme itchiness happened (usually at night). Each day, I applied the e-cig liquid in the morning and at night. Within two minutes of applying the liquid, any itching completely stopped and my skin felt warm. I am not sure if it was the nicotne or the propylene glycol that cured my psoriasis. Why did I use the e-cig liquid? After disappointment with the results of other treatments, I reasoned that my experiment with e-cig liquid on my skin will not harm me, and it may help me. If this remedy works for you, please tell others about it.
Posted by ashc
Hey guys, I'm 29 and developed guttate psoriasis about 6-7 weeks ago (early August 2014) and it completely freaked me out. I started getting
Hi guys, I developed guttate psoriasis about 6-7 weeks ago and have since gone for about 14 (out of a max 30) treatments of Narrowband UVB phototherapy with each subsequent session increasing in dosage and time. Whilst all my spots have flattened and reduced in redness, they're now hyper-pigmenting and sort of scarring on my body. The last few treatments have aggravated these spots and actually make them turn red (an effect of the 'sunburn' I'm guessing?). So, my question is: when do you stop phototherapy treatment and if I continue, will it make the hyperpigmentation worse? Am I 'tanning' the hyperpigmented spots? Any help/advice/shared experience would be much appreciated. Cheers.
Posted by SusanT
70 years.
I have had UVB treatment at least 20 times over the years. It helps considerably more than creams etc. however it is not a cure. I was always hospitalised for this treatment as I have psoriasis almost 97% coverage. Works reasonably quickly depending on extent and if psoriasis is bleeding/pus coming out or not. Good luck.
1
Posted by Frew1965
Had it from the age of 4 now 49. Had everything there is nothing works hospital stays a waist of time as it comes back fast the first bit of
Guys I've had psoriasis for 45 years and trust me most treatments and yes including the sun beds work for a while but I've learned the skin flares up again and again,it's pretty frustrating ,it's in our blood you see and genes there is no complete cure if you've got it you've got it for life.to save all the frustrations I went through, it's about keeping yourselves calm, I've always used oilatum for my bath,and 3 months ago ,I started taking vitamin c dissolverbles from home and bargin,there very cheap,and have noticed my skin clearer than it's ever been.also in the summer when I was on holiday going in the pool in Greece my skin flared up bad when I got home I think it was the chemicals amongst other things,so be careful when your away yourselfs,because our skin is very sensitive. Hope this helps guys...cheers Gary....
Posted by JediJedi
Yes
I have a pure herbal remedy that has worked for me and lots of others. It works 100% for most people. Its in pure herbal form without chemicals and you will see results within three days. I am planning to do advance research and commercialize the product. Where are you located? I can send you a sample. Send email to info@jedijedi.com
Posted by Essexgran
Lifelong symptoms but with recent severe widespread flare ups
I am 2 months into UV treatment for psoriasis - 16 sessions so far . I have been receiving a "light dose" due to concerns about my hair/ skin colour. All has been goin well but 3 sessions ago the dose was ramped up. I undressed yesterday to discover I looked like a tomato with red skin all over my trunk- like sunburn but not hurting. Disappointed and defeated.
Jump to:
Introduction
What is ultraviolet light?
How does phototherapy work?
Types of phototherapy
How long and what dosage is a course of phototherapy treatment?
When is phototherapy used?
What can I expect from my first visit?
What are the side effects?
Should I still use my emollients and topical treatments?
Is there anything I need to avoid while having phototherapy?
Phototherapy for children
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit oem pearl top coat.
Is phototherapy the same thing as a sunbed salon in the high-street?
You can buy UVB machines for small areas such as hands – are these any good?
Phototherapy for children – Ask the Expert
Phototherapy (light therapy) refers to the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat moderate to severe
eczema in children and adults. Phototherapy is a second-line treatment option that is only available at specialist clinics or hospitals.
To be considered for phototherapy, you need to have tried topical therapies and found that they do not control your eczema. You will then need to be referred to a dermatologist, who will assess your suitability for a course of phototherapy. Your treatment sessions will then be supervised by a nurse or a physiotherapist.
In nature, UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the Earth from the sun. UV wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB or UVC. The latter has the shortest rays and is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer, so does not reach Earth. However, both UVA and UVB penetrate the atmosphere (90% UVA and 10% UVB). UV light is important for health (Vitamin D production) and is responsible for tanning and burning the skin. Excessive UV radiation causes skin cell damage, which can lead to skin cancer.
Natural sunlight can help improve symptoms of eczema for some people by reducing the inflammatory response in the skin. Both UVA and UVB wavelengths are used to treat eczema. UV light appears to have an effect on the immune system. In particular it seems to reduce the number of cells called T-cell lymphocytes in the skin. These cells are involved in the inflammatory response and are known to play an important part in eczema. A reduced number of these cells results in less inflammation and an associated improvement in symptoms.
Phototherapy improves the skin gradually after several weeks of regular treatments. Treatments are given 2-3 times a week for 12-16 weeks. Treatment will start for 30 seconds and build up to a maximum of around 15 minutes. This is individual and will depend on how treatment is tolerated. The itching should reduce and the eczema slowly clear as treatment continues. Phototherapy will continue for a maximum number of weeks until the skin is clear or almost clear, and the itching has improved. The phototherapy will stop after the prescribed individual course. It is very important that people attend sessions regularly (and do not miss sessions) to optimise the chances of success.
There are three types of phototherapy used in the treatment of atopic eczema – broadband UVB, narrowband UVB, and UVA. Sometimes other wavelengths of light, known as UVA1 and UVB, may be used.
In this type of phototherapy, the wavelength of treatment increases with each visit unless the skin becomes pink (in people with lighter skin tones). Broadband UVB is an older form of phototherapy and is not very effective at clearing eczema. This being the case, a different type of UVB, narrowband UVB (often referred to as TL01), is usually used instead.
With narrowband UVB, the light tubes produce a narrow part of the UVB spectrum. Two wavelengths – between 311 and 313 nm (nanometres) – penetrate more effectively into the skin than the older broadband sources and are able to reduce inflammation and itching and improve the flare of eczema. The dose of UV given at each treatment is also higher compared to the broadband dose, because many of the unwanted wavelengths that cause the skin to burn are excluded. Once clearance is achieved, narrowband UVB can often induce a longer period of clear skin. The time spent in the phototherapy machine at the beginning is very short, and gradually increases at each visit, until the treatment course has been completed.
This type of phototherapy uses longwave UVA light in conjunction with a photosensitising medicine called psoralen – a combination known as PUVA. Psoralen can be taken in tablet form 2-3 hours prior to each treatment, or added as a liquid to a bath of warm water in which a person soaks for 15 minutes. Alternatively, psoralen gel can be applied directly to small areas of skin. PUVA treatment is administered to the whole body in a stand up cabin, or can be given to localised areas such as the hands and feet with smaller, compact machines. PUVA should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
A course is usually given 2-3 times a week for UVB and 2 times a week for PUVA. Both UVB and PUVA courses last on average around 12-16 weeks – maybe longer for severe cases. Shorter courses may also be given. Sometimes, weekly ‘maintenance courses’ are recommended for a short period after clearance. It is important that you are able to commit to a course of phototherapy as it may take some weeks before you see the benefits of treatment.
UVA and narrowband UVB treatment sessions are administered with a dose of light called joules. A joule is a unit of light energy. Your dose (J/cm2) is individual and will depend on the colour of your skin (or skin type) or – more accurately – be determined by a baseline series of 6-10 small test doses of UV to your skin. Before you start a course of phototherapy, you will receive a series of small test doses by shining a UVB light onto small circles marked on your back or arm, which will then be read the next day. This determines the starting dose of phototherapy (based on skin sensitivity to UVB) and establishes a minimal erythema dose (MED) for UVB and a minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) for PUVA. Generally, the dose at which clearance is achieved is up to 5J/cm2 of UVB and up to 15J/cm2 for tablet PUVA. However, dosage depends on your skin type. Phototherapy needs to be tailored to the individual and very carefully administered and monitored. The number of joules you are administered will be recorded and records kept – there is a maximum number of lifetime joules.
Phototherapy is used for children and adults with moderate to severe eczema that is not responding to conventional treatment with emollients and topical steroids. Phototherapy is not used if the person has a UV-sensitive dermatitis or a photo allergy disorder. People with these types of eczema are best treated in specialist clinics.
Narrowband and broadband UVB can be used in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, but PUVA should be avoided as the safety of psoralen has not been assessed in these circumstances.
On the day of your phototherapy treatment, do not wear perfumes, deodorants, aftershave lotions or other cosmetic products, as these may make you more sensitive to light. Do not apply creams or ointments to your skin (this includes emollients and topical steroids).
Phototherapy is usually given in a hospital clinic setting. To start with, a test dose is given to an area of your skin (if MED testing has not been done). The first few treatments are likely to be less than a minute, with the duration slowly increasing up to 15 minutes per session.
In order to prevent UVA wavelengths entering the eyes and possibly increasing the risk of cataracts in the long-term, protective goggles will be provided by the dermatology department to be worn during the actual treatment. These are similar in style to swimming goggles.
Glasses with UV protection also need to be worn for 12-24 hours after having oral PUVA. This is not necessary after bath PUVA. Bath PUVA does cause systemic absorption, but it is short-term, whereas PUVA tablets cause the whole skin to become sensitised for 24 hours, hence the need to wear glasses afterwards. Some units ask bath PUVA patients to wear glasses for a short time after treatment, but this is unusual. Since only a small area of the body is made light-sensitive with gel PUVA, there is no need to wear glasses after this type of treatment. The treatment clinic should be able to give advice on the type of sunglasses that are suitable. Clear UV coatings for non-tinted spectacles are also available.
Male patients must wear genital protection during both PUVA and UVB treatment.
As the light dosage increases throughout the course of treatment, if an area of skin is covered, it is important that it is always covered for every treatment (otherwise, it can burn with the higher dosage as it is not used to it). This is also important if you have a haircut or change your hairstyle. Keep hair down or tied up in the same style for every treatment.
It is normal for people with a lighter skin tone to experience some mild redness within 24 hours of treatment. This usually resolves quickly and, if not associated with discomfort, treatment will continue as planned. Despite efforts to prevent burning – i.e. by testing the skin’s sensitivity to light using controlled incremental doses for each treatment, careful skin assessments and asking about any side effects at each visit – occasionally sunburn-type reactions may occur with all types of phototherapy. If this happens, it is important to contact the hospital for appropriate advice. Burning that lasts for more than 24 hours is considered to be an adverse effect. In this situation, you need to be reviewed by the healthcare staff looking after you.
Skin dryness is also a common side effect, so it is important to use your emollients after treatment.
Cold sores can affect 1 in 30 people who have phototherapy. Report any early signs of tingling or a painful bump developing on the lips to the phototherapy nurse. People with a history of cold sores triggered by sunlight should routinely wear total sunblock lip balm during treatments to prevent cold sores developing.
Sometimes psoralen tablets can cause nausea – adjustments can be made in relation to the type of psoralen tablet to try to prevent this side effect. Taking the psoralen with food can also help minimise nausea. It is important that patients taking the tablets with food do so with the same amount of food each time to ensure similar absorption and efficacy at each treatment.
As with exposure to natural sunlight, long-term use of UV light therapy can result in accelerated ageing of the skin (e.g. freckles and wrinkles). More importantly, there is a potential risk of developing skin cancer. The skin cancer risk is related to the overall number of treatments and doses administered and also any pre-existing risk factors for skin cancer in patients. There are treatment thresholds for referring patients for a skin cancer review. The thresholds are after 200 treatments with PUVA and after 500 treatments with UVB. People who reach either of these thresholds must be referred for a skin cancer screening review.
When being treated, it is important not to add to the UV exposure with sunlight or sunbathing. Sunscreen (SPF50 or higher with a 4 or 5 UVA-star rating) must be applied every 2-3 hours when outside. Cover up with long-sleeved clothes and wear a wide-brimmed hat particularly on sunny days. Do not use sunbeds during the course of treatment. They would increase the UV dosage and could cause severe burning.
You should continue to use emollients during the course of phototherapy. However, do not apply them shortly before phototherapy treatment unless advised to do so by your healthcare professional. You may need to use a greater quantity of emollient, especially after treatment, as the skin will be dry. Some people with eczema find that phototherapy makes them itchier, so using emollients for washing and bathing will also help.
You may be advised to continue with topical steroids during the course of phototherapy because of the risk of irritation and flare. If the eczema is improving, the potency of topical steroids will be reduced depending on the individual and their flare pattern. Topical steroids can be stopped if all eczema has cleared (although the patient will continue to use emollients).
Occasionally, small localised areas of eczema remain – e.g. on the ankles or wrists – after a course of phototherapy, and these will require continued treatment with topical steroids.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) – Elidel and Protopic – should not be used on phototherapy days as they make the skin more sensitive to light, which may increase the risk of burning. Patients may be advised to continue with TCIs on non-treatment days.
In children, phototherapy is used for severe eczema only, where other treatment options have failed and there is a significant negative impact on quality of life. Children should visit the clinic beforehand to see the light units and understand what they need to do. Initially, treatment is just for a few seconds and children quickly get used to the routine. The parent can remain by the unit and talk to the child; sometimes there is a window they can see each other through. Parents are occasionally allowed in the unit (but fully clothed to protect their skin) for the first few treatments until the child gets used to it.
For more information on phototherapy for children, please see the ‘Ask the Expert’ article below.
Phototherapy given in a hospital is not the same as using a sunbed. The high-street suntanning industry is unregulated – you will not know the amount of UV exposure you are receiving and your skin cancer risk will increase.
With home kits you cannot track the amount of UV exposure you have had, and therefore safety cannot be properly monitored. Anecdotally, we do not hear of positive responses from these machines.
To obtain the information on this page in a PDF format, please download our Phototherapy factsheet at the bottom of the page.
This is an Ask the Expert Q&A with Julie Van Onselen, Dermatology Nurse Adviser to NES, which was published in Exchange 183, March 2022.
Q: I’ve heard about a treatment called phototherapy that could help my ten-year-old daughter’s eczema. She’s having really bad flare-ups and none of her creams seem to work. How does phototherapy work, what are the risks, and how do you access it?
Julie Van Onselen says: Phototherapy – a form of light therapy using narrow-band UVB or UVA light – can be useful. It doesn’t suit everyone, and in some people it actually aggravates their eczema, along with sunlight. Phototherapy is recommended only for children (generally five years or older) if their eczema is severe and not responding to creams and ointments.
Phototherapy works by targeting the overactive immune response in the skin, to reduce those itchy, irritated red or darker patches caused by flares. If successful, it can improve eczema for a while, but it is not a cure and the eczema may return.
Phototherapy is given as a course of sessions, generally over six-to-eight weeks, at a hospital dermatology department. You need to ask your GP to refer your daughter to a dermatologist, to discuss phototherapy as an option and access treatment.
As with any treatment, there are risks with phototherapy: in this case, dry skin, sunburnlike reactions, activation of cold sores, freckles and wrinkling. The dose must be very carefully calculated and treatment supervised, to avoid increased risk of skin cancer in adulthood.
When phototherapy starts, it involves two hospital sessions a week. Appointments should fit around your daughter’s school hours but may be in the evening. After an initial assessment and some light tests, to establish the best starting dose, the actual treatment will start at 10–30 seconds per session, building up to around ten minutes.
Your daughter will need to go into an enclosed cabinet (the phototherapy machine), undressed to her pants and wearing protective goggles, and stand still. You will be able to stand next to it and talk to her – and you can see each other through a window in the machine. If there is any problem, the door is opened immediately and the lights go off.
The staff operating the phototherapy machine (usually nurses) will help you both understand the process. As you get into a routine with phototherapy, the sessions at the hospital will be quick, and you should be able to pop in and out. Keep asking questions, especially if you have any concerns about your child’s eczema while undergoing treatment, such as sunburnlike reactions.
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