Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent itching, redness, dryness, and scaly patches. Sufferers often search for ways to manage these challenging symptoms, and the idea of using ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from tanning, sometimes emerges as a potential solution. While UV light is a component of medical treatment for eczema, the distinction between professional therapy and recreational tanning is significant. Although UV light can offer temporary relief, using a tanning bed or excessive sun exposure is not a safe or recommended treatment.
The Mechanism of UV Light in Eczema Relief
The temporary improvement some people experience with UV exposure is rooted in the light’s biological effect on the immune system. Eczema is caused by an overactive immune response in the skin, where immune cells mistakenly trigger inflammation. UV light, particularly in the B-spectrum (UVB), works by suppressing this localized immune activity. The light penetrates the skin and reduces the activity of T-cells, the white blood cells that drive the inflammatory process in eczema. Lowering the number of these T-cells leads to a reduction in inflammation, redness, and the characteristic itch.
Medical Phototherapy Versus Recreational Tanning
The therapeutic use of UV light is known as phototherapy, a process fundamentally different from recreational tanning. Medical phototherapy, typically administered in a dermatologist’s office, uses highly precise, controlled doses of specific UV wavelengths. The most common form is Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), which focuses on a specific range of light to maximize effectiveness while minimizing harmful exposure. In contrast, recreational tanning beds emit a broad spectrum of UV light, primarily UVA, delivering uncontrolled, high-intensity radiation. The medical application is a carefully measured treatment plan, often involving two to three sessions per week, with the dosage gradually increasing under professional supervision.
Hazards of Uncontrolled Tanning for Eczema Sufferers
Relying on tanning beds or excessive sun exposure to manage eczema carries significant health risks that outweigh any temporary benefit. The primary danger is an increased risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Unregulated UV exposure also accelerates the aging of the skin, leading to premature wrinkles and loss of firmness. For people with eczema, uncontrolled UV light can even worsen their underlying skin condition. Excessive heat and sun exposure can lead to acute sunburn, which damages the compromised skin barrier and triggers an inflammatory response, sometimes inducing the Koebner phenomenon.