Last winter a colleague started using a light box, they're used for treating Seasonal affective disorder. They made a very noticeable difference to his mood. As I get gloomy by January every winter, I bought one to give it a go, however by this point it was March so it was a bit late really.
Since then I have developed photo sensitivity. Does anyone know if they are okay to use if you have light sensitivity? I read the Lupus uk eclipse guide to lighting, but I don't know what sort of bulb the light box uses, so I couldn't figure it out.
Any advice gratefully received!
Jenny
Written by
JenniferW
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
My experience in using one was a malar rash as if I'd been sitting in the sun. I don't know what strength or intensity it was but a friend with SAD appreciated it. I haven't experienced any sensitivity to other indoor lighting.
Thank you for the feedback. After I had posted my question on here, I saw that the website I bought it from had a enquiries and feedback form, so I emailed them to ask about the bulb. They said
"We can confirm that your SAD light uses what is known as a full-spectrum bulb. Full-spectrum light is light that covers the electromagnetic spectrum from infrared to near-ultraviolet.
We would recommend speaking with your GP/Optician to gain a better understanding of if you should be using the unit further."
All in all it looks like I had better give the box away.
I spend my life hiding from the sun. I'm completely covered except for feet and hands - I've been told to wear a hat every time I go out. I had a reaction to the lighting at the dentist recently - operation standard lighting and the new electronic gadget they set your filing with - was too much for me. So personally I can't think of anything worse. But we are all different and some lupus sufferers are not photosensitive and still sun bath etc. I guess no one can decide if it's worth the risk, other than you. Let us know what you decide.
Crikey that's bad. I'm only getting a flare after direct sun for an hour or so at the moment. You must have to think about it and plan all the time.
I didn't react at first to the light, we had holidays in Austria in the mountains and I was fine (albeit with factor 50, because I'm a red head so burn easily anyway). But earlier in the year I spent too long in the sun when we had that hot weekend in April and got ill. I experimented with a shorter period in the sun the next time it got hot and that also triggered a flare, so I bought a new hat and started wearing lotion in the sun.
I was worried when I looked through the guide on here to light bulbs, we have flourescent lights at work. I might start wearing foundation which includes spf. It's al more hassle isn't it?
You should wear Factor 50 all year round on your face. The dermatologists insist on it. I replied to someone about Factor 50+ creams and make ups today. I'll post the link for you. Lupus UK have information on photo sensitivity on their website. A lot of us get our sun creams on prescription.
It's all a learning curve for us all and the severity of your symptoms changes over time. So just when you think you have it sussed it all changes again.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Lupus and Alcohol - can you stand it?
June's Topic of the Month - Light Sensitivity
Young people with Lupus
never ending Zentiva!
