painkillers and UVB

[Willow]

Hiya,

Just wondering if I am being a big baby  :'(
But I was in SO much discomfort following my UVB session  yesterday that I took a couple of neurofen to ease myself off to sleep.
(Legs elevated on 3 pillows to reduce inflammation on my ankles). Smeared with moisturiser, cocois in my scalp
what a bonnie site I was!

Is this amount of pain and discomfort to be expected?
I took 2 more Neurofen this morning to psyche myself up to coping with my trousers touching my shins.

I was wondering if others felt like they had had constant sunstroke for their 10 weeks of treatment
or am I just a wee sensitive soul  

I have worn my glasses all day at work to hide my white eyes and elastic marks where my goggles were yesterday!    

Willow

[rachd]

I wouldnt say it was normal! Best speak to the nurse, Possible that you are having a reaction ti the UVB.

[SJ]

It sounds like you are either burnt (are you red, and you can go very red with UVB...like a lobster I hear!) or you may be having a reaction, as Rachel says.

Either way, you must talk to your derm nurse before re-entering the cabinet. How many sessions have you had? Perhaps the nurse has given you too many joules too soon?

But DO tell her/him because it may get worse each session you have...and you don't want that!

SJ

[Willow]

I am on my 14th session and am at 3mins 20 secs.
I have had 2 episodes of blistering one at 3mins 2 secs 3 weeks ago which set me back a bit and one last Thurs at 3mins 20 - so I was kept at the same time yesterday.

I only know of one other person that has had UVB and he has olive skin
and a good base tan due to working outside. He has not reported any probs with any treatment he has had in the past.

It seems that even a 10% increase is too much since reaching the 3 min mark. I have had very few flakes since week 6 and wonder if it is sensitive new skin that is reacting to the uv.

With so many people saying it is the best treatment I thought maybe I had
to go with "no pain, no gain!"  and I was being soft!

Willow

[SJ]

You certainly won't get anywhere with the 'no pain/no gain' idea...UVB shouldn't be painful at all. Pain means baddddd. A teeny bit of redness isn't unusual, but needing painkillers means it is more than a teeny bit.

And as for it being the best treatment around, that isn't true. As with all things P, what works for one doesn't work for another! UVB does nothing at all for me...not a jot. I easily got up to max joules and didnt get any red burn at all. I also got brown, but none of the P went at all! And I don't think I am unusual...

It seems your skin has said 'no more than 3 minutes please' and you need to respect that. Tell the nurse and then perhaps stick at a level that suits your skin type and see what happens to the remaining plaques...perhaps it isn't going to work for you? My derm nurse says most people she has 'done' never clear completely (80% clearance is the norm in my clinic).

But certainly don't allow yourself to burn anymore...if you blistered that is pretty horrid! Also, you may induce a flare-up and the P might get worse?

SJ

[claireLF]

Hi Willow.   I have had my ninth session of UVB this afternoon.   I had to be reduced because I was pretty sore and very red from Monday's.   On Monday I was up to 1 minute 20 seconds and was reduced to 49 secs today and I feel so much more comfortable.   I think that you should speak to the nurse at your next appt.   Possibly the sister on duty as she will probably have the best idea of what is best for your skin.  

I really felt for you reading your posting - you poor thing! hope you feel better soon.    Try a bit of aftersun  it's pretty soothing after uvb.   I was advised that my normal moisturiser was just as good at the hospital but it really isn't as cooling.

Take care and keep smiling  

[SJ]

oooo yes, Claire is so right!

Moisturise madly, Willow. And keep whatever you are using in the fridge because it'll be nice and cold and all the better for soothing the old skin.

SJ

[Willow]

Wow - what up lifting advice - thankyou all  

Feeling much happier about going for my appointment today. I will be forceful and ensure that I am not increased today.
Thanks again

Willow

[magsy]

Hope things go better today.

[SJ]

Ditto me



SJ