Light therapy • Does it help with neurodermatitis?

Sunlight is important for physical and mental well-being. Natural and artificial UV rays have long been used to prevent and cure various skin diseases, including neurodermatitis. Is a visit to the solarium therefore recommended?

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Sunbathing has a direct effect on the body and psyche, because the UV rays stimulate the metabolism and trigger hormonal reactions – the body then releases euphoric messenger substances. In addition, UV light can have a positive effect on the symptoms of the skin disease neurodermatitis affect. This also explains why some people with neurodermatitis experience stronger flare-ups of neurodermatitis in the winter months with little summer, for example itching suffer than in summer.

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What is light therapy for neurodermatitis?

In light therapy (phototherapy), affected skin areas are irradiated in a dermatological practice with special medical UV lamps. It is often easier to use in neurodermatitis during training eczema recommended. Under the supervision of a specialist, neurodermatitis can be treated moderately and with few side effects using the right wavelength and the right dose.

In children, clinical studies were able to confirm a positive effect of light therapy on the symptoms of neurodermatitis. However, this therapy method has not yet been recommended for children under the age of twelve – but it can be considered depending on the symptoms.

Forms of light therapy for neurodermatitis

Depending on the individual symptoms, various forms of light therapy are used to treat atopic eczema:

  • UVB: radiotherapy with UV-B rays in different doses

  • UVA: Light therapy with UV-A in different doses

  • combination therapy from UV-A and UV-B rays

  • PUVA: With psoralen plus UV-A (photochemotherapy), patients first receive a tablet with the light sensitizer (natural substance psoralen). It makes the skin more sensitive to the subsequent radiation.

  • Balneo-PUVA: In balneophototherapy, those affected first bathe in a special saline solution (brine). It also prepares the skin for the subsequent UV rays. This form of light therapy has been part of the services provided by statutory health insurance companies since 2020.

  • Blue light therapy: Doctors use visible light with wavelengths of 430-490 nanometers, i.e. blue light.

Process of light therapy

With light therapy, the UV light is filtered in a special way so that no heat develops. The effectiveness of light therapy for neurodermatitis has been proven in various controlled clinical studies and is firmly established in treatment.

Light therapy measures for neurodermatitis can also be combined with treatment with Glucocorticoids (Cortisone) be combined. To avoid side effects of the medication, ciclosporin A and topical calcineurin inhibitors should not be taken at the same time.

Is solarium light healthy?

Artificial UV rays are used in a solarium. According to solarium manufacturer associations, they have a positive effect on skin diseases such as neurodermatitis as well as on osteoporosis, rickets and high blood pressure.

Although it has been proven that UV-B radiation – whether natural or artificial – the formation of Vitamin D and thus the storage of calcium promotes in the bones. That too immune system is strengthened by UV light. Here, however, it depends on the dose: In the smallest doses, UV light has a stimulating effect and strengthens the immune system. At higher radiation doses, however, UV light has an immunosuppressive effect (weakens the immune system).

Possible risks from solarium radiation

The fact that artificial UV rays in the solarium can also have a positive effect on the skin is only partially true. The reason for this are possible side effects: So far, an increase in the risk of skin cancer, for example, due to visits to solariums could not be ruled out.

It is also certain that the artificial UV radiation in solariums is higher than that of the sun – this also explains the faster tanning effect. The very strong UV rays cause unnecessary damage to the layers of the skin, which ultimately promotes aging processes and the formation of wrinkles.

For these reasons alone, regular visits to the solarium cannot be recommended. Even for people with neurodermatitis, the solarium is by no means a suitable treatment option.

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summary

Description: In light therapy (phototherapy), skin areas affected by neurodermatitis are irradiated with special UV lamps. This relieves, for example, inflamed eczema and the itching associated with it.

To form: There are different types of treatment, from pure UV-A and UV-B rays to a combination of brine and medication to blue light.

Alternative Solarium: The artificial UV rays sometimes have side effects, so the risk of skin cancer cannot be ruled out, and skin aging with wrinkle formation is also increased.

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