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The lights used in sunbeds have a variable UV output and analysis of their use has shown sunbeds dramatically increase rates of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) with the risk of skin cancer outweighing any potential benefits of use.
Sunbeds & Eczema
July 5, 2023
Do sunbeds help with eczema?
Eczema is a common skin condition that makes the skin itchy, red, dry and cracked. The severity of symptoms and areas affected by eczema can vary significantly from individual to individual.
The condition is caused by a genetic weakness in the skin barrier function and subsequent susceptibility to inflammation; flares can be triggered by a range of different factors including soaps, foods and weather.
Exposure to UV light can help reduce inflammation in the skin, this process has been utilised through medical devices to manage severe or treatment-resistant cases of eczema. The problem with UV light exposure is it can also be a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer, therefore using devices that emit UV light to manage your skin should only be carried out under medical supervision.
In this blog article we’ll discuss:
- What are sunbeds
- Can sunbeds help with eczema?
- Phototherapy UV light treatment and eczema
- Natural UV exposure and eczema
- Risks of using sunbeds for eczema treatment
- FAQs – Sunbeds and eczema
1. What are sunbeds?
Sunbeds are devices (cubicles or beds) which contain lights which emit light in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. Skin exposure to light in this spectrum leads to increased melanin production in the skin (tanning) which is why they are often referred to as ‘Tanning Beds’. The problem with UV light is that prolonged or repeated exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
UV light can be broken down into two categories ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB rays play the greatest role in skin cancer development, for this reason, the amount of UVB released from UV lights is regulated. Despite this most sunbeds emit greater doses of UVB rays than tropical summer sun.
As well as stimulating melanin production, UV light also leads to the suppression of the immune system in the skin which is why it is utilised in medical phototherapy. Conditions which can be treated with medical phototherapy include skin conditions such as pruritus, vitiligo, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis/eczema.
When UV light is used for medicinal purposes the treatment is known as phototherapy. Unlike the lights used in sunbeds, these devices emit specific wavelengths of UV light, which are selected to increase the immunosuppressive effect of the light and ensure a minimal increased risk of cancer development.
2. Can sunbeds help with eczema?
As discussed, exposure to UV light can help to suppress the immune system, reduce skin inflammation, and therefore, alleviate some of the common symptoms associated with eczema including dryness, itching, and rashes.
Compared with medical phototherapy, sunbeds are much more accessible, don’t require a referral from your doctor and are relatively inexpensive to use. Unfortunately, the lights used in sunbeds have a variable UV output and analysis of their use has shown sunbeds dramatically increase rates of skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) with the risk of skin cancer outweighing any potential benefits of use.
The only safe way of using UV light as an effective means of treating eczema is via medical phototherapy under direct medical supervision. You should never self-manage your eczema using standard sunbeds. Available on the NHS and privately, phototherapy treatment involves exposing the skin to UV light to help reduce the symptoms of eczema.
3. Phototherapy UV light treatment and eczema
Medical phototherapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat the symptoms of eczema. The exact mechanism causing the benefit is not fully understood but is known in part to be due to suppression of the overactive immune cells within the skin which drive inflammation. Other benefits include helping kill S. Aureus; a bacteria which lives on the skin and is known to play a factor in triggering skin inflammation.
However, it’s important to note that this type of therapy is closely managed, using only narrow wavelengths and safe dosing schedules which have been developed through extensive investigation and trials.
4. Natural UV exposure and eczema
Natural UV exposure through sunlight can also help to improve eczema. The immunosuppressive benefits of sunlight however are less than that of medical phototherapy and unless you live in a tropical environment you are unlikely to be able to access the benefits all year round. Interestingly studies have shown significant benefits in eczema following summer holidays to subtropical environments with the benefits lasting for up to 3 months after returning home.
Of course, if increasing your natural UV exposure, it’s paramount to stay safe in the sun. Ensure you wear a high-factor sunscreen, avoid the hottest, midday sun, and always wear a sun hat and sunglasses.
5. Risks of using sunbeds for eczema treatment
The risks of using sunbeds are high, which is why only phototherapy should be used to treat eczema. The known risks of using sunbeds include:
- Increased risk of developing skin cancer
- Premature ageing
- Damage to eyesight.
Remember, there is no safe limit for exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds.
How we can help
In conclusion, UV rays can be beneficial in treating eczema for some sufferers. However, it’s important to note the difference between the use of sunbeds, and the use of safe, supervised medical phototherapy. You should never attempt to self-medicate your eczema using sunbeds – the risks are too high.
If you’re looking for safe ways to treat and manage your eczema symptoms, we can help. Tend is an online healthcare service offering anytime expert advice, and personalised, affordable treatments for eczema.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.
7. FAQs – Sunbeds and eczema
Can sunbeds cure eczema?
Sunbeds should never be used to treat eczema. Exposure to UV light can help in some cases, however, this must be delivered via medically-supervised phototherapy to minimise the risks involved.
Are sunbeds good for eczema?
Exposure to UV light may help reduce skin inflammation and alleviate some of the common symptoms that come hand in hand with eczema. However, sunbeds should never be used for this treatment. Instead, you should speak to your doctor who may suggest the use of carefully controlled phototherapy if you have generalised or treatment-resistant eczema.
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is a medical treatment that uses narrow waves of ultraviolet light to treat skin conditions such as eczema. Unlike sunbeds, the UV wavelengths used are tightly controlled and delivered under strict dosing to ensure optimum safety.
