Sunshine for Eczema and Psoriasis
January 24, 2009 by admin
Filed under Beautiful and Healthy, Sunshine
Being a beauty salon, we see a few people with eczema or psoriasis who are looking for ways to get rid of or at least alleviate the problem.
Some of our clients have mentioned that safe use of the tanning beds or getting regular sunshine in small doses, helps to relieve and considerably reduce their symptoms.
I was curious about this and came across this article from the Lancet medical journal featured on Dr Mercola’s site:
Eczema, atopic dermatitis, is a common skin disease that usually arises in childhood, runs a relapsing and remitting course, frequently persists into adult life, and can result in significant discomfort.
Emollients and topical steroids form the basis of treatment, but response is often incomplete. Patients with atopic eczema often report improvement after sun exposure, and results from a series of studies suggest that ultraviolet B (UVB; wavelength 280-315 nm), ultraviolet A (UVA; 315-400 nm), and combined UVA-UVB are effective treatments.
Narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) is frequently used for psoriasis, and open studies suggest that thisphototherapy might improve atopic eczema.
Previous studies have shown that high dose UVA1 (340-400 nm) is as effective as moderately potent topical steroids for acute, severe atopic eczema. However, special irradiation devices, which are only available in specialist centers, are needed for this type of treatment.
A narrow-band (311 nm) UVB fluorescent lamp (TL01, Philips, Utrecht, Netherlands) has been developed that is effective in the treatment of psoriasis. Results of open, uncontrolled studies suggest that narrow-band UVB phototherapy might improve chronic, severe adult atopic eczema.
The researchers provided 12 weeks of this type of UV treatment for atopic dermatitis and noted improvements disease activity seen during treatment and were maintained 3 months after phototherapy had been stopped.
The type of UVA fluorescent lamp that we used is typical of lamps available in most sunbeds in UK and is widely used for psoralen photochemotherapy.
Lancet June 23, 2001; 357: 2012-16
Read the full article, including Dr Mercola’s comments.
******************************************************
For a natural approach, we also recommend the following for more information on being
Psoriasis Free for Life
Click Here!
a good topical solution for Psoriasis is applying Corticosteroid or Retinoids on affected areas. it helps tone down the redness and scaling.
i have Eczema and i use topical corticosteroids to relieve itching. a good natural product to relieve itching from eczema is Oatmeal and Seawater.
Psoriasis is really very itchy and there is no permament cure for it. right now i am trying wholistic approach like Ayurveda to treat my psoriasis.
Psoriasis gives me a very itchy feeling. the itch only goes away when i use corticosteroids. i am looking for a natural treatment for this disease.
my boyfriend have eczema and he would always complain about how itchy it was. fortunately, the doctor gave him corticosteroid cream and it stopped the itchiness.
Thanks to everyone who has commented on this article. It is sad to see that so many rely on drugs to ease the itchiness.
Here is some brief information in response…
Corticosteroids: Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
The potent effect of corticosteroids can result in serious side effects which mimic Cushing’s disease, a malfunction of the adrenal glands resulting in an overproduction of cortisol. The list of potential side effects is long and includes:
* increased appetite and weight gain
* deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back, and stomach
* water and salt retention leading to swelling and edema
* high blood pressure
* diabetes
* black and blue marks
* slowed healing of wounds
* osteoporosis
* cataracts
* acne
* muscle weakness
* thinning of the skin
* increased susceptibility to infection
* stomach ulcers
* increased sweating
* mood swings
* psychological problems such as depression
* adrenal suppression and crisis
Best health to all