Author Topic: uvb/ info please! (Read 1864 times)

deana_jenkins · « **on:** September 27, 2002, 07:42:16 PM »

Hello all! I have a question about uvb. I recently saw 2 doctors and they say my P is severe. The doctors say I am two young for any oral medications becasue of all the side effects. They reccomend uvb, one doctor spoke w/ a derm about my case and they agreed that uvb would be best. But after reading alot of things on other Q's about uvb does anyone know if a tannig bed would be of help on aregular basis?

My parents have one so i could use it when ever but would it be wise to maybe use it a little more than the recommended time, like maybe 20 mins. in the morning and 20 mins in the evening or something? I am basically looking for a cheaper way out because i dont have insurance and uvb is pretty expensive. So has anyone tried a tanning bed on a regular basis? Please let me know! Thanks All!

Deana

Alison · « **Reply #1 on:** September 28, 2002, 09:00:51 AM »

hi deana

, long time no see ,wlcome back.

there are some posts on here further down the board regarding uvb

.

the sunbeds dont give off the same rays as uvb treatment but alot have said that a sunbed makes them feel good anyway.

good luck

Michael · « **Reply #2 on:** September 28, 2002, 09:12:28 AM »

Hi Deana

My advice would be not to use a tanning bed. I myself have tried ordinary tanning beds and they really don't make a great deal of difference. There are obviously risks associated with using tanning beds to often and for long periods.

UVA light which is emitted by standard tanning beds is only good when combined with a drug called Psoralen that makes the skin more light sensitive. PUVA, as it is known, is given in a very controlled environment to avoid long term skin damaged as there is a possibility of skin cancer if it is over used. As I understand it the tubes that are used in a PUVA light box have most of the "harmful" light rays filtered out, whereas I don't believe this is the case on standard tanning beds.

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Properly used UVB therapies do not seem to increase the risk for skin cancer.UVB suppresses the immune system in the first few layers of the skin and also helps create Vitamin D Analogs. You wont get this effect from a standard UVA tanning bed.

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Hope this helps...

Cheers
Michael

Guy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 28, 2002, 08:30:45 PM »

I agree with Michael.

Tanning beds don't really help - go for the UVB.

Good luck

guy

deana_jenkins · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2002, 03:15:00 AM »

Thank you all for the advice! It's nice to have people to talk to that knows about P. Thank you all! I am goning for the uvb next month so i will wait and see how it goes. Mean time i am using a cream called Advanced All In One, its an AVON product, it is a great moisturizer and keeps scalling down. Since i have started using it I am getting some bare spots that look like normal skin. You all may want to try it! Thanks!

Deana