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UV Phototherapy Equipment – Psoriasis Treatment From Home

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

I would have never thought to purchase equipment that artificially produces UV light since I live in Phoenix, Arizona.  Trying to sell me UV phototherapy equipment would be like trying to sell salt water to professional surfer.  But for some of the colder, darker regions of the world a UV phototherapy machine might come in handy.

Having at least some exposure to sunlight is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  In additional to being healthy in general, medical professionals have observed correlations between UV rays and a drastic improvement to psoriasis symptoms.  Much of the medical community is convinced (based on measurable test results) that sunlight (or the like) suppresses the harmful immune system cells (T-cells) that cause psoriasis.

Thus, if you are in a cold, dark part of the world, it may be to your benefit to purchase UV phototherapy equipment.  In addition to the designs that expose one whole side to UV rays at a time, there are also little hand-held UV emitters that can be used for exposing smaller parts of the skin to UV radiation.

Here’s an idea: Make a portable UV ray emitter that plugs into your car’s lighter so you can sunbath on the go!  If anyone wants to buy this idea from me, send me an email.

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UV Light Treatment for Psoriasis – Different Skin Types

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

UV rays discourage psoriasis for one of two main reasons:

  1. Artificial or natural UV rays may regulate (kill and destroy) the cells that cause psoriasis (T-cells).
  2. When the skin is exposed to natural sunlight it produces vitamin D, which is vital for healthy skin and general bodily functions.  Due to the fact that people like to stay indoors these days, many (including psoriatics) suffer from vitamin D deficiencies.

As with any other psoriasis treatment, common sense should be exercised when deliberately exposing your skin to UV rays.  Said another way: Don’t sit in a tanning booth or out in the sun to the point that you literally burn your skin!  Burning yourself with natural or artificial UV rays will actually be counter productive as skin irritations and/or trauma tends to exacerbate psoriasis symptoms.

That said, your particular skin type should be considered when you head out to the beach to relax, catch some rays and maybe kill some of your psoriasis symptoms.   Generally: If you have lighter skin, then you will burn, not tan, and thus you should err on the side of spending less time in the sun.  Other types of skin, which adapt better to sunlight, will tan before burning and can thus endure more exposure to direct sunlight.  Try to avoid burning your skin in any case as, over time, this increases your chances of developing skin cancer.

Realistically, it doesn’t take very much time in the sun to give your skin a full “dose” of sunlight.  Your skin soaks up sunlight like a sponge, even to the point of making up for an extended period of sunlight deprivation.

Try to keep in mind what you know about your own skin.  Do you burn easily?  If so, then use plenty of sunscreen and expose yourself to direct sunlight for only limited periods of time (15 minute shifts would be my recommendation).

Different parts of the world have different degrees of harshness from the sun (I know that in Phoenix, where I live, it’s about as harsh as it can be).  Then again, different parts of the world have virtually no sunlight for extended periods of time, in which case it may be a good idea to try a man-made UV light treatment alternative.

Ask your doctor what he or she thinks about UV radiation for psoriasis treatment, especially for your unique case.  There are varying degrees of risk associated with UV treatments depending on the kinds of medications you are taking or your skin type.

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Vitamin D and Being All Around Healthy Helps to Fight off Psoriasis

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

Maintaining a balanced level of Vitamin D has been associated with alleviating the effects psoriasis.  This is especially true for people who are vitamin D deficient.  Vitamin D promotes quick healing in the skin, strong bones and helps promote effective mineral absorption in the body.

The effects of balanced levels of vitamin D seems to be related to the generally positive effect that sunlight has on psoriasis.  Exposing your skin to some sunlight every once in a while allows your skin to produce pretty much all the vitamin D that your body needs.

So, while it is probably true that sunlight specifically helps to fight back psoriasis, it is probably also the case (maybe even more so) that sunlight is necessary for everyone (psoriatic or not) to have an all around healthy life.  Having a balanced, healthy life — including exercising, going outside, sleeping and eating healthy natural food — promotes maximum health.  These things also happen to be labeled natural “remedies” for psoriasis.  When you string them all together, it no longer seems appropriate to call them “remedies” — “things we should be doing to stay healthy” might be a better label.

Definitely be cautious about taking vitamin D as a supplement, however, since taking too much will throw off the balance of minerals in your system (calcium and iron in particular) and thus cause a general ruckus in your bodily systems.  But this shouldn’t surprise you since taking too much of pretty much anything will throw off your physical health.  If you must take vitamin D supplements, a doctor will be able to tell you how much you should take as well as with what other supplements (it is not recommended that anyone take vitamin D by itself).

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Psoriasis on the Scalp

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

One of the most common symptoms of psoriasis is an itchy scalp.  This is the sort of symptom I personally experience on a daily basis.  For many people scalp-based psoriasis develops into other symptoms as time goes on, or it can go away altogether for extended periods of time.  Luckily, there are a variety of treatments to help you cope with this condition, including some effective medicinal shampoos.

It is best to investigate any possible cures for the specific psoriatic symptoms that you are experiencing.  First consult with a dermatologist and then, after finding out from this medical professional what is your best course of treatment, continue to research the factors that contribute to your psoriatic symptoms.  In particular, you should observe the effects that different treatments and changes in diet have on your psoriasis.

Take consistent daily action to drive away that irritating itch.  Scratching at your scalp long term will be a constant source of damage to your skin, which can not only be painful, it can also accelerate hair-loss.

Consistent, mild doses of direct sunlight can help to drive away that psoriasis itch.  Getting out and exercising on a regular basis as well as breathing fresh, non air-conditioned air is also good for your body in general.  Healthy lifestyle habits will empower your natural defenses to fight off all malicious presences in general, including psoriasis.

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