Most tanning beds emit uva and uvb rays but recently beds with only uvb rays are being touted as a healthy alternative to mainstream beds and have been popping up in tanning salons and day spas.
Uvb tanning beds for eczema.
Uvb rays which hit the superficial layer of the skin have a shorter wavelength than uva rays.
According to manufacturers the types of bulbs in conventional beds emit both the uva aging tanning uvb burning rays.
Tanning beds for eczema tanning beds use both uva and uvb bulbs to mimic the effects of the sun.
When overexposed to uvb rays a sunburn can occur as the rays can cause the capillaries below the skin s surface to pop creating a red raw appearance.
Anecdotally it s worth mentioning that people who suffer from eczema often have flare ups during the winter months when they don t spend much time in the sun.
This means the rays penetrate less deeply into the skin typically affecting the outer layers of the epidermis.
In these beds you are required to develop a base tan over a matter of approximately 4 weeks at 3 to 5 times weekly for up to 30 minutes at a time but more likely up to 20 min.
But as we have seen both scientific and anecdotal evidence confirms tanning is good for the reduction of eczema.
Both the sun and tanning beds emit uva and uvb rays.
Tanning beds in commercial salons emit mostly uva light not uvb.
Bear in mind that tanning beds were not built for the treatment of eczema but some patients may benefit from timed exposure to uva and uvb light which can help boost skin health.
They are used for the sole purpose of providing a relatively controlled aesthetically pleasing and even tan and are usually on a timer so the user is under its effects for no longer than required.
Uva and uvb rays.
Obviously nothing beats a good dose of steroids for these things but considering the toll on your immune system that goes along with prednisone and the like uv ray exposure is the best natural treatment for not just eczema but many skin conditions.
The uvb tanning beds contain about 93 uva rays and 7 uvb rays.
Once they start to develop a tan they can tan for longer.
The beneficial effect for psoriasis is attributed primarily to uvb light.
It s also worth noting that individuals who received uvb treatments in a.
Uvb tanning beds utilize uvb rays which are shorter than uva rays.
Although the uvb ray is the burning ray indoor tanning sessions are timed based on the tanner s skin type and uv experience.
Tanning absolutely helps with eczema.
To be sure speak to your doctor or dermatologist before using tanning beds for the treatment of eczema or if you suffer from any other inflammatory skin condition.
Npf does not support the use of indoor tanning beds as a substitute for phototherapy performed with a prescription and under a health care provider s supervision.