Anyone tried UVA1 therapy for lupus?

[miccika1]

Some studies reported good effects on fatigue when using UVA1 therapy. Dis anyone try this?

[happytulip]

I have never heard of this, can you explain it a little please?

[miccika1 in reply to happytulip]

Some people have used UVA1 (a specific band of UV rays) to help with fatigue. a doctor from New Orleans, USA has been treating his patients with this method for many years. you can just search for Dr Hugh Mcgrath and UVA1 therapy to see details. Here is one article that explains how it works. academic.oup.com/rheumatolo...

[eekt]

Hi miicika1, I asked my rheumy for a UVa1 trial as there is a UV-therapy unit at the local hospital...and he laughed.

I'm not photosensitive (yet...this can change!) and sunlight has a visible beneficial effect on me: I routinely have swollen eyelids and lips, and sunshine will reduce the inflammation and banish a malar rash for me, and generally gives me more get-up-and-go (Vitamin D3 is anti-inflammatory).

My dsDNA seems to increase in the winter months: I've not had VitD3 monitoring (this should be done annually) that would show a link.

There is some research that VitD3 plays a part in the immune process that is flawed in auto-immunity (hence low levels of VitD will increase disease activity....and ironically the advice for SLE is 'use sunblock') but this line of study doen't attract the kind of funding drug solutions do

So-o-o-o-o, I'm going to carry on worshiping the sun until I can't any more, despite Rheumy's laughter! xxx

[tjo52]

Hello Miccika It was one of the first treatments i tried for my autoimmune condition..it did not help me and i burnt after 11 seconds.. i am photosensitive and my docs thought it might help..it made me feel very ill with no good effect, if was some years ago (8 years) so hopefully its better now.I really struggle with any light artificial especially. My dermatologist recommended I try the treatment.

Good luck with finding the right treatment for you.

[miccika1 in reply to tjo52]

are you sure it was only UVA1 band (not UVA2 or UVB)? Even traces of UVB would burn us. I'm also photosensitive. Do you remember what clinic you went to or what machine was used?

[tjo52 in reply to miccika1]

Sorry i have no idea..i attended Leicester Royal Infirmary, i also attend Guys hospital in London and initially had lots of test and received my diagnosis there..maybe worth emailing them for more info they are the experts..Good luck with everything.