Experiences of UV treatment for Eczema and other skin conditions

Wise Old Elf

I have chronic atopic eczema, and have had it since I was 1 (I'm 36). It's quite severe, and I'm now struggling to control it with the usual creams and moisturisers, etc.

For the last 6 years or so, I have just been plodding along trying to control it, life has been a bit hectic (moved jobs, moved down the country, had 2 kids!) and I didn't fancy new challenges, but on my GP's recommendations, I've finally gone to see a consultant dermatologist, having not seen one for some time.

The dermatologist is starting me on UV treatments from about 3 weeks from today, and I'd be interested to hear people's experiences of this, either from a point of view of what to expect, did it work (to any degree), and did you experience side effects. The current plan is for treatment for 6 weeks of 3 times a week, then 6 weeks of twice a week, review, then likely 6 weeks of once a week.

huskerdu

I had UV light treatment for psoriasis in the dermatoly clinic in St Vincents . I had it 3 times a week for 10 weeks.
It was very successful. My outbreak was all over my body so it was very difficult to treat.

In St Vincents, they have 5 or 6 units, which are like stand up tanning beds, so your whole body is treated at the same time.
THe nurses are very good and are full of general advice on day to day management of skins conditions.

Because I have very pale skin and burn very easily, they were very careful.
They started my treatment at 30 seconds a go and increased it every time, until I got to about 2 minutes. I did get savage sunburn all over one day. In total, including getting ready before and afterwards, I was there for less than 20 minutes each time.

Where are you having it done ? I am only aware of St Vincents, but there may be other centres that do it. If it is St Vincents, I can try to answer any other queries you have about what to expect.

Wise Old Elf

Thanks huskerdu for the reply. Your situation sounds similar to mine, all over outbreak and pale skin.
Treatment will be in Limerick regional hospital, but from the little I know (they'll explain all at the first appointment), it sounds similar; short bursts all over.
Delighted to hear you've had some success. Besides the burns, had you any other side effects?

LukeF96

I have had very sever eczema since I was 2. My gp sent me to a dermatologist around a year and a half ago because he said it was the worst he had seen.
At first my doctor put me on antibiotics bleach baths and steroid creams, It did help a little but it was still very bad.
She suggeted the UV treatment but understood that I couldnt come into the hospital that often. After some mettings and missing 2 months of the school year because I couldnt even walk, I was put on an immune system repressing medication cyclisporin to get me trough my leaving. These tablets where a huge help and made a big big difference, it took some time for them to work effectivly and I was put on the maximum dosage I could. I've to be taken off of them soon because they can be dangerous causing kidney failure ect.
I'm thinking that once I go back ill be taken off of them and be given the uv treatment.

If I do use these soon ill tell you what its like and how it helps.

Wise Old Elf

That sounds rough lukef96, hope you're keeping OK.
There was discussion of cyclosporin after UV for me, but the whole risk of kidney disease and other issues is a but off putting. We'll see what happens
Once I start UV I'll post my experience as well.

Wise Old Elf

I had my first light treatment this morning, following a consultation yesterday.

In the consultation, they did a small "patch test" on my back to see how my skin would react, then just gave me the general breakdown of what their plan is, potential side effects, etc. The main thing is that there's a risk of burning, and a longer term (small) increased risk of skin cancer. Also, it will dry out the skin, so LOTS of moisturising afterwards.

Today, I was in early. Popped on the goggles to protect the eyes, and a sock to protect the crown jewels and 13 seconds in the booth (there's two in the Limerick hospital). Plan is to increase it over the next few weeks. I'll be in 3 times a week for 6 weeks, then twice a week after that.

Nothing major to report yet. Did feel like I was in a microwave a little bit. Will post if I have any improvement over the next few weeks.

rubadub

I had contact dermatitis on my feet as a kid, and get it now and again. I also got mild eczema in later years. Then got psoriasis on my scalp and 1 or 2 other spots.

I got my own handheld UVB light and found it worked very well, the exact same light is given off as the larger units. I used it only for psoriasis at first. I got some mild eczema on my hand and after 1 UVB session it was gone and not back since. I have also used it on my feet if the contact dermatitis comes back.

and a longer term (small) increased risk of skin cancer

I have seen this debated in a few studies, some showing no increase at all. In fact some argue the benefits from the vitamin D produced etc might counter it, and other health benefits might make you more "healthy" overall.

Wise Old Elf

rubadub wrote: »

I had contact dermatitis on my feet as a kid, and get it now and again. I also got mild eczema in later years. Then got psoriasis on my scalp and 1 or 2 other spots.

I got my own handheld UVB light and found it worked very well, the exact same light is given off as the larger units. I used it only for psoriasis at first. I got some mild eczema on my hand and after 1 UVB session it was gone and not back since. I have also used it on my feet if the contact dermatitis comes back.

I have seen this debated in a few studies, some showing no increase at all. In fact some argue the benefits from the vitamin D produced etc might counter it, and other health benefits might make you more "healthy" overall.

Interesting. They did a patch test on my back with something similar to what you've described, a handheld device.

I suppose I mentioned the skin cancer as it's highlighted in their data sheet, but it's not something I'm too concerned about (for now!), the increased Vitamin D is a good point. Hopefully I will feel a bit healthier, I've had no energy for a while now.

After this is finished, I might follow your lead, especially as my hands get very dry and chapped. Would be nice to have them look normal.

rubadub

huskerdu wrote: »

Because I have very pale skin and burn very easily, they were very careful.
They started my treatment at 30 seconds a go and increased it every time, until I got to about 2 minutes. I did get savage sunburn all over one day.

The main argument I usually see against home treatment is the risk of burning. I wonder if the nurses/doctors messed up your timings and said nothing.

I sometimes apply sudocrem or other zinc oxide based creams straight after using it, to treat both the sunburn & moisturise. If you use oil tar treatments beforehand it is more beneficial too, it makes you more susceptible to the UVB and you do not need to be dosed with an amount which causes a mild sunburn (which is the usual aim).

The coal tar is messy and should be on for a good while beforehand, this is why I think few hospitals use it, but some do. This is the other advantage of doing it at home. I just sit watching TV with the coal tar on.

Some doctors & studies had said they think home treatment is a better option as its less stressful on the patient, which could in itself cause flare ups. Some would be very embarrassed about it.

If it is extensive then the large units would cost a fortune, I have read of guys converting sunbeds, they take the same style of bulbs, there is no difference at all, except a good few grand for maybe an inbuilt timer.

sligoface

I use a home light unit, it works really well when I stick to using it, clears it up slowly but surely. But don't burn yourself it can be very sore.

Wise Old Elf

My UV treatment has been stopped after about 7 weeks, as the results were not as positive as the docs were expecting.

The first 5 weeks were good, a nice improvement generally. The next two were a bit harder, I ended up really red and hot a couple of hours after a session, and quite uncomfortable. The days after were usually pretty good though, so while it wasn't all easy, I was a bit disappointed when it stopped.

Met the dermatology team today and I'm reluctantly starting the immuno suppressant Methothrexate (sp?). The possible side effects are a bit scary, but they check bloods once a week for the first while so fingers crossed...