Last day of Light Box Therapy

Today is the last day of my light box therapy.
I had an appt last week with my dermatologist. He told me to buy flax seed oil and take double the normal dose daily. We need more omega's than most people. He said I could do fish oil pills if I wanted - but some don't like the fish burps I guess. Personally I have been taking fish oil pills for awhile and never once burped up any fish taste. I would know - I hate fish! I take Market America's Heart Heath Fish oil pills.

He also suggested I switch over my lotions and body wash to CeraVe & Cetaphil. They are nice - no smell and both say for atopic skin - some kind of dry skin condition I guess. I found they're a bit pricey - but I guess if they help I'll stick with them. I have tried many other expensive products before also. I let you know how it goes. I bought the CeraVe lotion at Walgreens for $16.99 last week. It's a pretty large size bottle. He told me to put lotion on everytime my skin gets wet from the bath or shower.

My Dermatologist also wants me to try to get more sun. I have to have the "bad areas" of skin exposed though so that would be really tough. He suggested I walk/run in a running bra and also put my hair up in a bun so the sun can reach the back of my neck and my ears. I tried the bun yesterday and it was no different than a pony tail - so easy. I'm not willing to brave running down the road in a bra yet though - I think this is great motivation to start doing crunches though :-)

I have a follow up in 5 weeks - will keep you posted.

I love having a tan!

Well here I am rounding down my 3 1/2 months of light therapy. I have to say I'm really scared about what to expect now. I have a great tan and for the first time in a long time I have not had to worry about how low cut my shirts are. I also bought a nice one piece bathing suit and went swimming with my kids. I posted two new pictures I took recently. I'm amazed - my friends say it now just looks like I have a large birthmark or tatoo on my back. The chest area is pretty much cleared. The few leg spots look just like my back (a little dark spot). My neck still has 2 stubborn red spots as well as the back of my neck. All in all I'm thrilled with the results. I have a cream of vitamin D which I have used only once in awhile on my neck. The rest cleared up with the ubv light box therapy. I stated with 16 seconds and am now up to about 2min 20 sec. I go every m/w/f mornings before work and am in and out within 15 minutes. The extra traveling has been the only real hard part. My insurance has covered every appt for light box. I only pay my copay if I have a regular appt with the derm.

I wish I could keep this nice tan forever! I have a great tan - without any tan lines! It rocks :-) I'll keep you all posted as to how long my skin stays good. I've heard others say it returns with a vengance after - I am hoping not. For the moment I'm very happy with my dark "birthmark" and was happy to finally post some good pictures.

I have been still eating a lot healthier and trying to minimize the gluten. I have found my life to be extremely stressful as of late and have decided not to beat myself up when I eat something with reg. flour in it. I do however keep it to a min and only when it would be more stressful for me to make something from scratch just for me. I know the stress is not good for my skin either - but when you have teenagers as well as a 93 year old grandmother who lives with you your life is full of unexpected surprises.

Wishing all health and clear skin:-)