Starting Light Therapy

[Forest Walker]

This is the booth for my light therapy and the swab of Vaseline to apply before going into the booth.  

[Forest Walker]

I had my second light therapy session, yesterday.  The medical assistant kept it at the same dosage.  

During the brief 35 seconds, I held my hair off my forehead with my hands, hoping to help with scalp patches, and this resulted in redness and tenderness along the upper torso where my bra covers.  I ran errands after the light therapy, but by the time I got home, I was eager to remove the bra; it was becoming more and more irritated.  I used a moisturizing cream for relief.  (Next time, I'll wear a headband.)

No trouble sleeping last night, and no Tylenol required.

I can't tell if the light is helping, though.

[Kat]

I had my second light therapy session, yesterday.  The medical assistant kept it at the same dosage.  

During the brief 35 seconds, I held my hair off my forehead with my hands, hoping to help with scalp patches, and this resulted in redness and tenderness along the upper torso where my bra covers.  I ran errands after the light therapy, but by the time I got home, I was eager to remove the bra; it was becoming more and more irritated.  I used a moisturizing cream for relief.  (Next time, I'll wear a headband.)

No trouble sleeping last night, and no Tylenol required.

I can't tell if the light is helping, though.

With light therapy I was told not to expect immediate results. I actually don't remember how long they said it could take to see an improvement so I looked it up. What I found was that it usually takes between 2-4 weeks to notice any improvement so hopefully you'll see results soon!

[jiml]

I think if it's reddening your skin, it's beginning to work . You may be pleasantly surprised how fast it can work . I know when I couldn't get light therapy. I would go out in the early summer and get fairly fast relief from the sun (without overcooking myself)

[Raxyl]

This is the booth for my light therapy and the swab of Vaseline to apply before going into the booth.  

What is the Vaseline for Forest? I've never had that in all the sessions I've had.  Just sunblock for my face and ears.

[jiml]

Good point Craig I would think vaseline is likely to cook you

[Forest Walker]

I think if it's reddening your skin,  it's beginning to work . You may be pleasantly surprised how fast it can work . I know when I couldn't get light therapy. I would go out in the early summer and get fairly fast relief from the sun (without overcooking myself)

I think we should all just move to a place that is perpetually sunny.

[Forest Walker]

They said the Vaseline makes the light therapy work better on the patches.  They didn't say to use sunscreen on face or ears or anywhere for the light therapy but did say to use it and to look for product with zing oxide or titanium dioxide, along with photoprotective clothing and avoiding mid-day, when going out in the sun.  

"Immunosuppression can increase risk of skin cancer with sun exposure.  nbUVB is a narrow wavelength of light with less risk, however, we will use the lowest dose and limit duration and stop once clear since you are on the TNF-alpha inhibitor."  I found this reassuring to read in the notes.  

I'm hopeful.  Thanks for your reassurances that this will likely work and has worked for you.  The lightest patches seem to be responding, already.  Stubborn patches, last night, began itching like mad and were raised and sore.  I think it is due to worry and/or stress as former husband is scheduled for surgery today, and I am concerned for him.  This is a really strange condition, this psoriasis.

[jiml]

Yes forest it is a strange condition, where stress can play such a big part in a flare up and the flare up then goes on to make you stress even more

I hope your ex has a successful operation today to ease your stress
The itching of the stubborn patches may be a sign that the light treatment is working on them (hopefully)

[Forest Walker]

Thank you, Jim.