There is no definitive answer, as sunlight can both help and worsen psoriasis depending on the individual.
Comprehensive answer to the question
Sunlight can be both beneficial and harmful to people with psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, “Sunlight is helpful in treating psoriasis, but it’s important to remember that getting too much sun can worsen symptoms.” The sunlight helps because of the ultraviolet (UV) rays which are believed to be beneficial for psoriasis. It can reduce inflammation, scaling, and the thickness of psoriasis lesions. However, too much sun exposure can cause sunburn which can lead to flares.
The time of day and duration of sun exposure also matter. The times when the sun’s UV rays are most intense (usually between 10 am and 4 pm) can increase the risk of burning and potentially worsening psoriasis symptoms. So it’s recommended to expose skin with psoriasis to sunlight during the less-intense UV periods, such as early morning or late afternoon.
One interesting fact is that some treatments for psoriasis also utilize the beneficial effects of UV rays. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to specific wavelengths of UV light to target the affected areas of skin. Another fact is that a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that “sun exposure reduces the number of [T cells] localized to involved skin, indicating a possible mechanism for the therapeutic effect of phototherapy and sun exposure in psoriasis.”
Although sunlight can be helpful to people with psoriasis, it’s important to take precautions and avoid over-exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade when possible, and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Everything in excess is opposed to nature,” and this applies to sun exposure for people with psoriasis as well.
Here’s a table summarizing the pros and cons of sun exposure for psoriasis:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reduces inflammation and scaling of psoriasis lesions | Increases risk of sunburn and worsened psoriasis symptoms |
| Targets affected skin cells through phototherapy | Over-exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer |
| Regulates the immune system | Timing and duration matter – midday sun can increase the risk of burning |
| Increases vitamin D production | Too much sun exposure can lead to premature aging and wrinkles |
Video response
This video explains the benefits and harmful effects of sunlight exposure on the skin. While sunlight is necessary for the skin to produce Vitamin D, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can lead to skin damage, premature aging, sunburn, and even skin cancer. Melanin is the skin pigment that protects against radiation, so people with less melanin should take extra precautions when in the sun, including wearing sunblock, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and monitoring for changes in the skin. Early detection and treatment are vital in treating skin cancer.
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Most people who have psoriasis find that the sun helps to improve their skin’s appearance. For some the change is dramatic, with red scaly patches almost disappearing altogether during summer months in a warm climate. In order to help clear psoriasis, sun exposure needs to be spread over time.
Furthermore, people ask
Can sun make psoriasis worse? The reply will be: Some doctors may recommend regular exposure to sunlight as part of a psoriasis treatment plan. However, it is important to follow medical guidance. Sunlight is not as effective for treating psoriasis as prescription therapies, and too much sun exposure can worsen symptoms or trigger a flare.
Also to know is, Does sun help heal psoriasis?
The response is: Sunlight can resolve many cases of psoriasis, at least temporarily. Some people find their symptoms come close to disappearing during the summer months in warm, sunny climates. The reason why sunlight is powerful is due to its UVB rays.
Are there any benefits to having psoriasis?
What makes this even more puzzling is that people with psoriasis inherently have a lower risk for certain skin infections. This is due to some antimicrobial factors that are over-expressed in the skin of those with psoriasis.
Keeping this in view, What happens if psoriasis gets sunburned? Sunburn can make your psoriasis symptoms worse.
This is due to something called the Koebner phenomenon, in which any injury to the skin (be it sunburn or a cut or scratch) can trigger more psoriasis to develop, says Dr. Friedler.
Interesting information about the subject