UVB treatment at home...
Posted Mon 2 Apr 2018 11.59 by Barney2201
Hi All, new to this forum... What an amazing source of info.
Question: Dermalight 800 vs Phillips TL01 comparison...
Bit of background-
Had P since a teenager, was on Cyclosporine for years until my derm said no more.... Tried to get biologiques but local health authority said I had to go down the Acetrin route first and prove it did not work. Didn't want to pursue this as spent years pumping my body with toxins only to move to a different toxin, plus the massive amount of blood tests required (really hate needles) and the no drinking thing... Then a change of derm and I fell off the list.
Tried Stelera recently but buying privately, at £50 a can and I have 60% P on my trunk it's getting expensive. It does work well but the P returns the moment I stop using it. Works fine if you want a quick fix before going on holiday but that's as good as it gets.
So to my question... I want to try light treatment and a home machine is the way to go (I travel a lot for business so multiple trips to the hospital every week is not practical). I had one round of treatments about 10 years ago, nothing since. I have the option to purchase a Dermalight 800 for £300 does anyone know how this machine stacks up to the machines using Phillips TL01 tubes? I gather its a full medical machine, however it seems to be older tech. Does this mean anything vs buying a machine fitted with the Phillips lamps. The seller claims its only been used for 8 rounds of treatment so the lamps should be fine. Any thoughts would be most welcome. Thanks in advance :-)
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Posted Fri 27 Apr 2018 11.57 by Mike
I bought a 6ft. Canopy with 9 Philips TL01 Narrowband Tubes sometime ago from Skin Matters Bristol.
Superb. After 4 or 5 sessions my psoriasis was cleared. My legs were particularly bad and I was very surprised how well they cleared; pretty much up to the NHS standard. I still get patches coming back of course, but they are manageable.
Largely because my wife wants more space I am selling the light and wondered if anybody would like to make a bid. I paid just under £1300 and would be happy to accept half of that. It's in good condition as you would expect with minimal use.
I live inside the M25 near junction 16 (I think).
Posted Sun 27 May 2018 22.53 by BM
Hi again
I bought my 6 foot uvb narrowband canopy in February 2018.
I’ve had Psoriasis for a long time, 10 years, patches on elbows, knees, bottom, lower back, ankles......
I’ve used the canopy, every other day starting with 30 seconds, front and back. I’ve missed several weeks through work but when Home every other day increasing slowly and up to 3 min either side now.
I have not burned and always moisturise afterwards.
Results - a massive improvement - elbows, back, bottom completely clear - smooth. New skin - awesome feeling. My knees are hugely improved but have been stubborn as have small patches on ankle - but still improving.
I’ve used most creams over the years -
Bite the bullet get a Phillips canopy
Best thing I’ve invested in for my skin.
Posted Thu 7 Jun 2018 13.56 by Treez45
Hi all,
A long time ago, I invested a sunbed for domestic use. I have since changed the original tubes for ones that have a slightly higher UBV rating than a standard tube, and although nowhere near as powerful as a hospital; lamp, I have found them to be quite effective, albeit over a much longer period of time. I suffer with Guttate psoriasis, and am in the throes of an attack at present. My last big attack was 7 years ago when I had the light treatment at the hospital.
I am 4 weeks in, and I am treating my skin with steroid cream and a truck load of moisturiser! I have also had 4 10 minute blasts on my sunbed and I have seen a significant improvement in the GP on my torso, hips and thighs. My chest and shins were the worst affected parts this attack, and although I have had one or two new spots appear, the original ones are all now flat,
Although home tanning isn't the most advisable course of action, I do believe it has made a significant difference to me - but I must stress that I don't have standard tubes. My tubes have a 1% higher UVB rating - so nothing major - but enough to make a difference. to me. Best of luck with your recovery x
1
Posted Wed 27 Jun 2018 16.32 by tracey
Hi all, i have not posted for a while but will give you a follow up. Bought my canopy last year in July and was one of the best investments i made, i am still 100% clear. As mentioned in previous post my consultant wanted me to go onto Stelara injections which are 1 every three months, because i have had cancer more than once in the past few years, well i have been on them now for 6 months, and i am still clear and with no side effects, again great news. So now i am considering selling my unit which cost 1360.00 for 1,000.00 if anyone is interested. I am gutted to part with it because it is my safety net so to speak....but is a waste not to be used. I live southsea, Hampshire if anyone interested, also have small hand held unit for 50.00
Posted Thu 5 Jul 2018 18.45 by lwrightuk
Hi all,
Is anyone still live on this thread.
I'm researching UVB treatment at home and have so many questions.
Thank you.
Posted Thu 5 Jul 2018 22.43 by Parker
Hi
I started doing home UVB treatment a few months ago. Happy to answer any questions you have.
Rachel
Posted Thu 5 Jul 2018 23.28 by lwrightuk
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for replying.
How are you getting on with the home treatment?
I'm researching home UVB treatment as my psoriasis has become steadily worse over the past few years. I suppose I want to try and nip it in the bud and then try to control it with occasional use moving on - that's if the UVB treatment works. At the moment I am willing to give anything a go.
The problem is, I have no idea where to start. I've received a few recommendations for where to purchase a canopy from, but that's about it.
I have no idea re: timings, length of treatment etc.
Posted Fri 6 Jul 2018 10.05 by lwrightuk
Morning all,
If anyone else has any advice regarding home treatment I'd be very grateful.
I'm trying to get as much information as possible so that I am confident in starting this treatment myself at home.
Posted Sat 7 Jul 2018 13.21 by Parker
I did a lot of research before buying my canopy and what I learnt is to invest in a canopy which contains Philips tubes. I understand they are the same tubes that are used in hospital canopies and approved for medical use in the UK. There are lots of fake Philips tubes on the market so make sure you buy from a reputable place - have a look at Much Better Skin and Skin Matters. They are the 2 places I found that sold Philips products.
My canopy is from Much Better Skin and it came with detailed instructions about how to use it and timings etc.
Basically, you start off with around 30 seconds (but this varies depending on your skin type - fair skin prone to burning you start with less, darker skin that tans easily you start with more). You then stand around a foot in front of the canopy, wearing googles to protect your eyes, for the allotted time, turn around and repeat.
You then repeat this every other day but add 10 seconds to your time, each time, until you reach around 3 minutes on each side (again, your maximum time varies depending on your own skin type).
Within about 2 months my skin was clear of psoriasis (with the bonus of a lovely tan). Last week, after about six weeks of clear skin, a few small patches started returning, so I have just started treating myself again. I think it varies from person to person how long you are clear for. But I would thoroughly recommend making the investment. It's wonderful not to have to spend half an hour before bed each night covering myself in greasy ointments which never really worked!
Happy to answer any other/more specific questions.
Posted Sun 8 Jul 2018 08.32 by Silverfox1703
I have bad plaque psoriasis on my legs which has responded to no treatments except uvb
Still using my 9 tube unit (from skin matters) it has completely cleared on body and arms, thighs and interestingly my scalp. There are still a few small stubborn patches on lower legs although feet are clear.
So in the interests of prevention I treat body once a week. I treat the legs at the moment 2-3 times a week and think the trend is gradual but will eliminate it soon completely. At that point I’ll go onto a maintenance schedule for that too.
The other thing I’ve found is that different parts of the body require different timings. Eg face only 1 minute, body about 2 mins but legs and arms are 4+ minutes. This is achieved by splitting the exposure times and covering the more sensitive areas with clothes/ pillow case after the shorter time is reached. A word of warning though, I find the rays can still have an effect through some lighter fabrics so dark t shirts are best if covering selected area.
Posted Sun 8 Jul 2018 11.53 by lwrightuk
Parker & Silverfox1703: Thank you so much for your posts and all of the information you have given me. I so pleased that this form of self treatment works for you both. I'm hoping that it has the same effect on my psoriasis.
I am struggling to find out information re: timings. Starting at 30 seconds, then adding 10 seconds for each following treatment makes sense as you are building up gradually. How do you know what you max time is per session?
Silverfox1703 - It's very interesting that you mention that different parts of the body need different timings.
It's a lot of money, however, I am prepared to take the risk as I feel the benefits will out way the negatives.
I'm not sure which way to go - a brand new canopy from Much Better Skin / Skin Matters or a 2nd hand canopy.
I'm spending most of my free time on eBay looking for a reasonable 'new-ish' second hand canopy, so that I can replace the existing tubes and installing brand new Philips TL01 Narrowband Tubes.
I need to way up the pro's and con's of a brand new canopy with a guarantee, compared to saving possibly £300-£400 buy buying a second hand canopy and replacing the tubes but with no guarantee?
Posted Sun 8 Jul 2018 12.47 by Parker
No problem, pleased to be able to help.
My canopy from Much Better Skin I got second hand on eBay. I paid around half the price they are new. It is a risk though as you say, as you are not getting a guarantee buying second hand. There are a few posts above from people offering their canopies for sale - the posts are a couple of months old now, but it might be worth seeing if they are still for sale if you do decide go for a second hand one.
In answer to your question about how to know what your maximum time is - that is all explained in the instruction manual and depends on your skin type. I will try to post a picture.
Posted Sun 8 Jul 2018 12.50 by Parker
I can't seem to post a picture of the instructions for timings on here. Happy to email it to you if you like.
Posted Sun 8 Jul 2018 13.50 by lwrightuk
Parker: That would be fantastic if you wouldn't mind. My email is: lwrightuk12345@gmail.com.
Posted Sun 8 Jul 2018 21.56 by BM
Hi
I bought a brand new canopy in February
I started at 1 minute sessions and slowly built up to 2 and a half minutes each side
My skin has improved 100%
There are still stubborn patches on my ankles but rest of body clear
No coal tar or other terrible creams
I use it every other day for about a week and then have a week off
I cannot stress how good these treatments are
I was sick and tired of creams and this works....
Bryan
Posted Mon 9 Jul 2018 11.29 by lwrightuk
BM: Reading peoples positive experiences on this forum is great. I had my own doubts initially but really feel that this route - home phototherapy - is the way to go.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Leigh
Posted Mon 9 Jul 2018 14.32 by BM
Leigh
I had light treatment at my local hospital several years ago and it worked
I can’t believe I waited so long to purchase my own canopy, however they are expensive so I guess that’s why....,,
As I said - improvement has been superb, I’m virtually clear and have been for months - follow the short timings and you’ll be fine - don’t do long exposures you’ll burn....
Good luck
Posted Tue 10 Jul 2018 21.06 by Niall
Hey all...first time posting on this. I've had the pleasure of Psoriasis in my life for the last 6 years. Got it for the first time when I was 30. Gone through UV treatment twice. Very effective. 100% clear up but sadly Psoriasis returned.
Just got on the Enstillar buzz and it has also been dramatically effective. However I gather from the posts on here that I can expect a full return.
It's real soul destroying stuff. But I have a dear friend dying of cancer so we need to try and keep perspective.
I think I'm going to try the home photo therapy next...if it comes back. Also giving up alcohol for a few months. I find beer in particular exacerbates the flare ups. Funnily enough I think Guinness isn't as bad!! It's like the yeast in beer or something!?
Good luck people,
Niall
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