Hello Jay

The protocol for my UVB light chamber, run by a dermatologist near my office (very convenient) advises NOT to put anything on the skin, as it may impede UVB absorbtion.

So please check with the staff where you're having UVB.

Moisturising after UVB is a good idea, as you will have almost have sunburn.  If you do actually get sunburnt, you need to advise the staff, and they will not increase the dose until your skin can tolerate the dose.

Cheers - Mori 

Hi Mori/Andy

That was the first thought Mori! I was told by the nurse to moisturise before I come for my UVB treatment! 
I don't know if the protocol is different in Australia, Andy do you moisturise before you go into the light chamber?

Also I've got a patch on the sole of my right foot. As I am standing in the UV chamber the sole of my foot is not exposed to the uv rays. What can I do for that? 

regards 

jay
 

Hello Jay

did the nurse give you the name of a recommended moisturiser?

The patch on the sole of your foot can receive UVB, if you stand on one foot, and pull your right ankle up with your right hand.  Try doing that for an extended duration!

You will need to ask for help, and be a little inventive.   For example, you could rest your right knee on something like a 20 litre plastic tub, which would  expose the sole of your foot to the fluro tubes.  Mind you, it does need to be about 40cm high, and not take up too much room in the light chamber.

There are also UVB devices that I've  seen at my dermos rooms, that are about the size of a school desk - patients put their legs into a light chamber under the "desk", and read magazines during UVB treatment.  I don't know if that would do provide light to the sole of the foot.

As patches tend to appear in "bathing suit areas", that don't receive sunlight, it is not uncommon for some patches (say in creases) to be problematic.

For example, 4 years ago my buttocks used to sag a bit, which caused crescent moons of white untanned skin beneath each buttock.  It looked hilarious.  I ended up bending over a little in the confines of the chamber.

regards - Mori

Hi Mori

the actual chamber itself is quite small, so lifting my leg up will take to much room but I might try to lift my right foot up slightly like if I am tip toeing. What do you reckon? Will that work?

 the moisturiser I use is called cetraben cream

jay

Hi Jay,

Been busy the last few days and just catching up.  I have been given the same advice as Mori, i.e. don't moisturise before hand but do moisturise well after.  I've heard of Cetraben but I use Zerobase.  They are probably similar.  I'd have a convesation with whoever is running your UVB about whether you should moisturise before or after and then do what they say.

I like the pillowcase over the head idea but my centre offers me a proper face mask. I usually decline and just wear the statutory goggles to protect my eyes.

I get into all sorts of contortions in the chamber to make sure particular bits of me get the UVB treatment.  I agree with Mori, try standing on one leg and hold the foot up to face the tubes.  In the chamber i go to here ae a couple of handles you can use to steady yourself.

I'm about to start another round of UVB treatment next week.  I am very very red and itchy and sore at the moment over most of my body.  I'm always worse in the winter months for some reason - I was told it is because central heating dries out our skin so moisturise even more. 

I agree with Mori that UVB works by killing damaged T-cells.  UVB is relatively low energy Ultra Violet light and only penetrates the surface of our skin, which happens to be where most of our MF problem lies.  It does not have the energy to get through to the lower levels of our skin.(subcutaneous levels).  UVA does have more energy and does get through to these lower levels and hence is more dangerous.  High street tanning booths and home tanners give out UVA as well as UVB and this is why they are potentially more dangerous.  The chambers we go in are constructed to give out just a narrow band of UVB rays.  

Hope this helps,

Andy

Hi Mori/Andy

On my first visit I did tell the nurse if I could lift my leg up slightly so my sole gets exposed to the UVB but they said no I cannot do that.

Andy sorry to hear that your sore all over hopefully the UVB session will sort it out. 
 

I'm having my second session of UVB today! I'm gonna ask them if I can tip toe on my right foot so it gets a little of the rays and see what they say to that 

jay

I know, I really should have! I was just feeling really nervous and overwhelmed because they were all taking turns looking at my hair loss and rash etc, I'm definitely going to call them tomorrow and talk to them about it! :)

My mother had a friend who lived in Middlesbrough and she had a very rare ailment that sounds a bit like yours called modular piraigo.it is connected to ezcema but very rare.it is very unpleasant but not potentially deadly like mycosis funguides.it took them a long time to diagnose her with it.it is an autoimmune problem.

Hi! I just searched it up, I don't think it could be that, my rash doesn't look like that, also it turns out the dermatologist clinic that I go to is closed on weekends so I'll have to call them on monday, but my biopsy is on the 7th March :confused: