Purchasing a sunbed

[HenryB]

Hi,

Just wondering if getting a sunbed with the proper UVB lights will be worth it?
My work takes me away from home during the week. I am only home on weekends. Thus going for UVB light treatment after seeing a dermatologist is not an option for me.
Thought the idea of having one of these units in the house that I can use on the weekend would be great as I cannot overuse it if I had been home all the time.

Has anyone ever purchased a unit and the main question is, does/did it work?

[Caroline]

Yes, I used one, and no it did not work for me.

But wait for the opinions of the others. Maybe they have different conclusions.

[Fred]

I would say no, as you need to get the right equipment and be monitored properly.

I had one and yes it was nice to get a tan, it was relaxing laying underneath it but in the end it done nothing for psoriasis. If you do sink a lot of money into a good high spec one it will help for a while but you still have to be careful and it won't work for ever.

Just my personal opinion, but you will be wasting your money and end up trying to give it away after a few months.

[jiml]

I would suggest not getting one as it won't give a long term solution to the psoriasis and can be quite dangerous if not properly used

See this thread Sunbed use increases risk of melanoma. before you buy one ......methinks the suggestion of seeing a dermatologist is the best way forward  

[Kat]

Well, I think that the UV treatments at the doctor is different than a regular tanning bed. It all gets into UVA and UVB and the strength, etc which I don't know much about to be honest. I did UV at the dermatologist for about 6 months and decided to stop as I was getting clear and it was the first of the year (new deductible on my insurance and I didn't want to have to pay the $75 per visit) So, I would definitely do research before putting the money into a tanning bed. I do believe there are home light systems more designed for psoriasis.

However, after I stopped the UV, the dermatologist did recommend a few visits to a tanning salon because I am fair skinned and he wanted to make sure I didn't try to get too much sun at one time and get a sunburn. But he did say only a few visits (which I didn't do as I don't burn easy and I have no plan to just go outside and bake myself) It is a bit strange after years of being told how harmful those tanning sessions (both natural and tanning booths) I did when I was younger are now being prescribed for me to do.

[HenryB]

The last time I went for UV treatment I was completely clear for about six glorious months after. Since then it has come back with vengeance but this time around it is impossible for me to go and do the treatments as I am not in one place for more than two days. My work takes me all over the country every week. That's the main reason why I was thinking of getting a sunbed with the "proper" Psoriasis light tubes" for home use. I will have a chat with my dermatologist about it as well as soon as I can get an appointment.

[Kat]

The last time I went for UV treatment I was completely clear for about six glorious months after. Since then it has come back with vengeance but this time around it is impossible for me to go and do the treatments as I am not in one place for more than two days. My work takes me all over the country every week. That's the main reason why I was thinking of getting a sunbed with the "proper" Psoriasis light tubes" for home use. I will have a chat with my dermatologist about it as well as soon as I can get an appointment.

That sounds like a good plan. I'm not sure of the differences between the two (or even if there is all that much) but it's better to ask. It would be really nice to have something convenient for you to use at home.

[Fred]

The last time I went for UV treatment I was completely clear for about six glorious months after. Since then it has come back with vengeance but this time around it is impossible for me to go and do the treatments as I am not in one place for more than two days. My work takes me all over the country every week. That's the main reason why I was thinking of getting a sunbed with the "proper" Psoriasis light tubes" for home use. I will have a chat with my dermatologist about it as well as soon as I can get an appointment.

That sounds like a good plan.  I'm not sure of the differences between the two (or even if there is all that much) but it's better to ask.  It would be really nice to have something convenient for you to use at home.

As far as I know Kat there is a big difference as one will only tan you, and don't quote me on this but I think it's the UVB one you want.

Have a read of these threads to see if they help, but I'm 100% sure there is a particular type you need to be effective on psoriasis.

UVB 1
9/10 English Sunbeds fail safety limits

I'm sure there are more about light treatment, but can't find them at the moment. You could try the Search Facility from the menu above, but some say light therapy, sun lamps/beds, tanning beds/lamps, UV, UVB, Etc so it may take a while to find more but those two above are ones I remembered.

[jiml]

Fred here's one you put on not long ago

Philips launch wearable light treatment for psoriasis may be worth reading

[Fred]

Fred here's one you put on not long ago

Philips launch wearable light treatment for psoriasis may be worth reading

Yes I did remember that one but I didn't think it would be of any interest as Henry said he was 80% covered, it would take a long time with something the size of the palm of his hand.