Thursday, April 18, 2024

Are Tanning Beds Good For Psoriasis

Q: How Long Does It Take Phototherapy To Work

Psoriasis: Tanning and Exercise

A: Phototherapy is most commonly dosed in high outputs of UVB light administered two to three times a week. Treatment lengths start at just seconds in length initially and expand to several minutes of exposure per treatment. On average, 20 treatment sessions are necessary before patients begin to notice results.

Tanning Beds For Psoriasis Treatment

Medications and Treatments11 Jul 2018 Michael M. Hall

Phototherapy , performed under medical supervision is safe, effective, and cost-effective. The National Psoriasis Foundation does not support the use of indoor tanning beds as a substitute for phototherapy performed with a prescription and under the supervision of a physician.Commercial Tanning Bed Treatment Is an Effective. Psoriasis Treatment: Results from an Uncontrolled. Clinical Trial. Alan B. Fleischer, Jr.,* Adele R. Clark,* .http://bit.ly/VU8Dhc Click the link to find out how to get rid of psoriasis forever in under three days. It is proven.Want to know how to cure your psoriasis? Then check out this video and follow these steps!http://bit.ly/Z38BWq Click now learn about curing psoriasis totally in less than one week. It is proven and.DO NOT let anyone tell you that commercial tanning beds are no good for. .. treatment I have experienced is in the commercial tanning beds.Objective To assess the efficacy of acitretin and commercial tanning bed therapy for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque-type psoriasis.Does anyone self treat their psoriasis this way, and if you do, how many minutes do you. . .com/psoriasis/treatment/should-you-treatpsoriasis-in-a-tanningbed/

Can Uv Light Benefit Skin Conditions

The number of Consol customers using the facilities to successfully treat skin conditions are on the rise. Our customers report dramatic, confidence boosting and in some cases, life changing results through regular sessions on our beds and it’s fast becoming apparent that exposure to UV light has many more benefits that simply achieving a sun kissed look.

In search of some answers, we took to the internet to find out why. According to the ‘Life Science Daily’ news desk, patients suffering from psoriasis or other types of skin diseases could benefit from ultraviolet light emitted from commercial tanning beds, a low-cost and effective option to medical phototherapy, according to an expert on the treatment of psoriasis.

Controlled exposure to ultraviolet A or UVB radiation can both effectively treat psoriasis, said Feldman, who is the director of the Psoriasis Treatment Center at Wake Forest Baptist and a former member of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Advisory Board. Feldman took part in a Wake Forest School of Medicine study in 2015 that reviewed the use of tanning beds as a dermatological treatment for different skin conditions.

Selected use of commercial tanning beds in the treatment of dermatologic conditions may be another useful and effective treatment for those patients with an inability to access office-based or home-based phototherapy, the study concluded.

Also Check: How To Cure Psoriasis From The Inside Out

How Is Vitamin D Made By The Body

To make vitamin D in the body, there must be cholesterol from the liver. The body then provides biophotonic light energy, and the sun needs to provide UV light.

The body keeps making more cholesterol in its demand for more Vitamin D, and in this way, cholesterol will go higher when vitamin D is depleted.

Additionally, low vitamin D often indicates that the body is low in its cholesterol-dependent hormones.

This is one reason it is dangerous for doctors to try and lower patients cholesterol levels 75% of the cholesterol made in the body is used to make our hormones: progesterone, pregnenolone, estrodiol, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol, Vitamin D, bile and more.

When our cholesterol levels are lowered by medications, so are many of the hormones that allow us to thrive. And then were given oral Vitamin D, instead of the light, that allows our bodies to make this prohormone.

Many Patients With Psoriasis Use Sunbeds

Tanning for Psoriasis Relief: Know the Facts

EditorPsoriasis usually improves in sunlight, but many patients look for an alternative source of ultraviolet light, either because they are embarrassed to sunbathe in public or because of the unpredictable availability of sunlight. Sunbeds that emit ultraviolet A light might seem an attractive option, but their use, at least for tanning purposes, is discouraged by dermatologists and other healthcare workers.,

To investigate our patients use of sunbeds, we posted a questionnaire to the latest 339 patients who were new referrals aged 16-65 years and in whom a diagnosis of plaque psoriasis was made . All had had psoriatic lesions for at least a year when they received the questionnaire. We received replies from 248 patients ), of whom 128 had used a sunbed to treat their psoriasis. Linear logistic regression showed highly significant and non-interacting effects of age and sex , indicating that sunbed use was generally higher among females and tended to decrease with increasing age . Of the 97 patients who reported the effect of sunbed use on their psoriasis, two found that their condition worsened, 17 reported no change, and 78 reported an improvement. We detected no associations between perceived efficacy and age, sex, or tanning ability . Of the sunbed users, 56% reported that they had treated themselves more than 20 times in a year, and 13% had treated themselves more than 80 times in a year.

You May Like: Is It Ok To Swim With Psoriasis

Sunbeds Can Be Healthful Devices Bymarc Sorenson Edd

Sunbeds, also known as tanning beds, have many healthful properties. They produce vitamin D, strengthen bone and reduce the risk of major cancers. Yet, sunbeds are much maligned as being a major cause of melanoma. Thus, teens in many areas have been banned from using them by misguided legislation. In addition, tanning- salon owners must live in fear of government overreach that could put them out of business.

Skip The Chemicals In Lotions

It can be confusing when we hear doctors talk about the dangers of the sun or tanning beds. Part of the reason for the confusion? Sunscreens and suntan lotions themselves contain dangerous chemicals.

So any data we have on the dangers of UVB light, the kind that enables the body to produce Vitamin D, comes from testing that did not include a control category of users who do not also use sunscreen.

While we can be sure that many sunscreens cause cancer, we cant be sure to what degree the sun alone or tanning beds do. But we can be sure of the benefits.

Therefore, skip any lotions used for tanning, and see the Tips below for alternatives.

Read Also: Is Blue Star Ointment Good For Psoriasis

Additional Benefits Of Tanning: Winter Mood And Stress Reduction

The main reasons I tan are:

  • for vitamin D
  • and my mood! ~ How powerful is the tanning bed for me each winter? In just 8 minutes or less of tanning, I can go from high-stress or sad to feeling happy and well for days. I want to emphasize here, not just the happy-sad part, which I know is a little more discussed, but the stress part. Sometimes those of us with autoimmune issues can feel experiences as stressful that would not be to someone else. One minute, were feeling fine, and the next minute, everything feels really intense and stressful. Our body has gone into fight or flight without our consent. Tanning puts my body back into the rest and digest state, so much so that my stomach often gurgles while Im tanning, as it promotes digestive processes. This gift of being returned to a parasympathetic state is very important for avoiding or healing autoimmunity. There is perhaps no greater trigger for autoimmunity than stress and the absence of Vitamin D! Tanning beds can resolve both those causes for a mere $50 a month! This is one cheap and enjoyable solution for getting well and staying well.
  • Id love to hear your thoughts and comments!

    Vitamin D Sun Lamps Instead Of Tanning

    Dangers of Tanning Bed Use: Mayo Clinic Radio

    A great alternative to tanning for Vitamin D is to purchase or use a sun lamp designed to provide Vitamin D.

    I have not done this myself, but it seems an excellent investment.

    I expect in the long run I may choose this route over of tanning beds.

    Ive heard good things about Sperti brand Sunlamp. The lamp allows you to conveniently provide your body with Vitamin D from home for just 5 minutes every other day. The price isnt too bad, and the company is quite knowledgeable on the topic and their product.

    Interestingly, this product is in such high demand that they only allow one per customer. Seems like a great option.

    Sperti also sells a unit that treats psoriasis.

    In the meantime, tanning at a local salon is very affordable and easy to weave into ones schedule.

    Recommended Reading: Is Neem Oil Good For Psoriasis

    Do Sunbeds Help Psoriasis

    Sunbeds are machines that imitate a suns ultraviolet rays, to produce an artificial tan. They are used all around the world, have ultra violet bulbs and provide faster melanin production than sun bathing. Are sunbeds of any help when it comes to treating psoriasis, is the big question. And the answer is yes. Sunbeds can indeed help you with psoriasis affected skin, and is often prescribed by doctors. Usually when topical treatments do not work for psoriasis anymore, doctors prescribe sunbeds. Exposure to UV can help with smoothing out and reducing inflamed skin patches. It can reduce the itching as well.

    Whatare Some Of The Reasons That Sunbed Use Is Associated With A Lower Risk Of Allcause Death

    Is the sunbed a Gianus Bifrons ?

    Sunbeds, Good or bad?

    Recent research comes to the conclusion that indoor tanning is a Gianus Bifrons, which is interpreted as a two-headed god. One head, according to these researchers, is an increase in various skin cancers . The other head is the ability of sunbeds to produce large quantities of vitamin D, increasing serum vitamin D concentrations up to two fold. In addition, this increase in vitamin D, they believe, could lead to a decrease in myriad diseases.

    The authors of the paper state the following: Therefore, some favorable effects against the risk of developing many human diseases, including non-skin cancers, cannot be excluded at first glance, although they may not be only linked to vitamin D status. They also go on to suggest that more research should be performed to determine if the unfavorable effects of indoor tanning on skin cancers may be outweighed by the favorable benefits of amelioration of low vitamin D levels.

    This research ignored many research studies showing that regular, non-burning sun exposure is protective against melanoma. In my upcoming book, Embrace the sun, about 14 different research studies are cited. All of these studies demonstrate a positive effect of sun exposure. There are also positive effects of sun exposure and sunbed exposure, beyond the ability to produce vitamin D. Nitric oxide is produced by both. NO is a vasodilator that lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease.

    Don’t Miss: Food Not Good For Psoriasis

    Can You Treat Psoriasis With Sunbeds

    For anyone who has suffered with Psoriasis, it can be a long and frustrating process and one which can affect every part of a sufferers life.

    Many dermatologists recommend phototherapy as part of treatment for psoriasis as the exposure to ultraviolet B light can slow the growth of skin cells and clear large areas of psoriasis for up to one year.

    The UVB light can be delivered by natural sunshine but many patients look for an alternative source either due to embarrassment of sunbathing in public or because of the unpredictable availability of sunlight in the U.K.

    Other options are specialist laser which are costly and not every dermatology clinic has high-powered lasers. So, many people cant access clinical phototherapy because of cost, distance, or other inconvenience issues.

    This has meant that although not an entirely perfect substitute for clinical lasers, sunbeds can be a low cost and effective treatment and in some cases a better alternative than long term use of medication. Psoralens should not be used with tanning beds as it may result in severe sunburn. Always consult your Doctor first.

    It is important to note that The National Psoriasis Foundation does not recommend the use of indoor tanning beds as a substitute for phototherapy carried out with a prescription and under the supervision of a dermatologist.

    Here are some tips for using our beds safely and effectively:

    Courtesy of Bodilight Tanning Spa

    But New Research Shows That The Attack On Sunbeds Is Misguided

    Tanning Beds For Psoriasis Treatment

    Because of this uproar, a group of scientists , led by Dr. Jörg Reichrath, did a thorough research review. Furthermore, they published their findings in the scientific journal Anticancer Research, which presented truth about melanoma and sunbeds. This information is most noteworthy since it is contrary to the prevailing papers that emanate from the Powers of Darkness. The Powers of Darkness are those who love to attack both sun exposure and sunbeds.

    Read Also: Why Do I Have Psoriasis

    Risks Of Using Tanning Beds For Psoriasis

    Although commercial tanning may help some people with psoriasis, the bottom line is that the ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning beds is proven to cause skin cancer. Given the high risk of commercial tanning, in 2009, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer increased the classification of UV-emitting indoor tanning devices to the highest level of cancer risk: group 1, or carcinogenic to humans, which moved indoor tanning devices up to the same risk category as tobacco and asbestos.

    Indoor tanning use can cause several types of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Societys Cancer Action Network, using indoor tanning devices before age 35 increases a persons melanoma risk by 59 percent, squamous cell carcinoma risk by 67 percent, and basal cell carcinoma risk by 29 percent. In many cases, skin cancers develop years after tanning bed use. Discuss the risks and benefits of sunlight for psoriasis with your dermatologist.

    The Right Amount Of Sun

    A weekend at the beach is unlikely to clear up psoriasis, because you need long-term exposure. Too much sun, however, can cause a sunburn and result in injury and aggravation of psoriasis.

    Increase your sun exposure levels slowly. That way your skin benefits from exposure to the ultraviolet light, but adapts to the effects of the sun gradually. Start with just 10 minutes at a strong, sunny point of the day, such as noon or 1pm. Gradually increase your exposure by 30-60 seconds a day.

    Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful rays that can age you and cause a burn. If you take medications or have a condition that makes you especially sensitive to the sun, clear sun therapy with Dr. Fromowitz before heading outside.

    Recommended Reading: Best Shampoo Bar For Psoriasis

    How Does Psoriasis Affect Self

    Psoriasis affected areas of skin can be dry and inflamed. Applying a harsh self-tanning product to these areas can cause irritation and additional inflammation, not only is this bad for your condition and skin, but it also affects the appearance of the self-tan.

    Inflamed skin, dry skin, and scaly skin will drastically affect how the self-tan turns out. The tan will be applied unevenly to the dry skin and will look streaky and patchy. The tan also will not be able to hold to the skin for long due to the constant irritation.

    Self-tanning products work by reacting with dead skin cells. Psoriasis causes a build-up of skin cells. These obviously die off quickly, and applying self-tanner to this build-up of dead skin cells can cause darker patches of the tan as there are more dead skin cells to react with.

    There are self-tanning products on the market that take this into account and do try help give you an even and streak-free tan, all while helping to cover up the scaly patches that psoriasis causes. Be very careful when choosing the product you use, as the wrong one could drastically worsen the condition in an affected area.

    Types Of Uv Treatments For Psoriasis:

    The Truth About Tanning Beds Ask Dr Day

    Doctors resort to UV treatment when topical treatment is no longer useful. This often happens as a result of severe psoriasis where skin patches have become serious and critical, and are causing major itching. This treatment with light is called light therapy. The sunbed has UV lamps that can produce both UVA and UVB ultraviolet radiation. The goal is to get rid of inflamed skin.

    UVB light therapy:

    UVB light therapy involves exposing your skin to artificial UVB light in a sunbed. The light helps clear up psoriasis from the skin and reduces itching. Extended periods of exposure can be dangerous as it may irritate psoriasis even further. Hence, controlled exposure is very important. One need not to go for UVB treatment more than 2 to 3 times a week. This, once again, depends on the recommendation of the doctor. Sometimes UVB treatment is also coupled with topical creams, to aid in the process of clearing up.

    UVA light therapy:
    Will sunbeds help my psoriasis?
    Are sunbeds worth it?

    Sunbeds have been known to help with psoriasis. And as we have looked at the different available treatments above, we can conclude that sunbeds do play in important role in helping with psoriasis. They come with their pros and cons. Where UV can help clear up psoriasis with the help of its intensity, the same intensity can also be harmful. The best way to proceed, of course, is to act according to your doctor and dermatologist.

    Read Also: Does Psoriasis Flare Up In Heat

    Uvb Light Prevents Atherosclerosis By Reducing Inflammation

    UVB exposure benefits by Marc Sorenson, EdD. Sunlight Institute

    UVB is a spectrum of sunlight that is responsible for stimulation of vitamin D production in the skin. It also has many other effects, including the suppression of inflammation in the skin, and thus has been used to very successfully treat skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

    Since inflammation is also necessary to produce the condition of atherosclerosis in arteries, it would be interesting to know whether UVB light might also have the same anti-inflammatory effects in those arteries. If so, the UVB effect could inhibit or eliminate atherosclerosis, and by so doing provide an entirely new treatment for heart disease and other vascular events such as stroke and intermittent claudication.

    The idea that UVB could prevent atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation in arteries was recently studied by Japanese researchers. Using a mouse model, they demonstrated that UVB light irradiation, once weekly for 14 weeks, leads to an increase in the action of T-regulatory cells that inhibit inflammation. In addition, UVB exposure also reduced the production of another type of T-cell that is pro-inflammatory, and thereby proatherogenic . These two effects of UVB light reduce the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Or stated differently, the research shows that sun exposure is critically-important therapy to reduce and prevent heart and other vascular diseases.

    DOI: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.116.308063.)

    Popular Articles
    Related news