IS SUN EXPOSURE GOOD FOR MY PSORIASIS?

The Role of Sunlight

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. A week on a sunny holiday may help but rarely completely clears psoriasis, and if the skin is exposed too soon for too long, sunburn can result, which could cause injury to the skin. In some people with psoriasis such injury can start a new plaque of psoriasis at the site of the injury. Therefore it is important to increase exposure to the sun gradually, to allow your skin to adapt to the sun without burning.

What are the Risks of Sun Exposure?

As with any source of UV, sunlight comes with some dangers. UVA wavelengths penetrate to the deeper layers of the skin and are largely responsible for the tanning effect of the sun. However, UVA can eventually cause damage to the skin, resulting in the typical signs of photoageing: wrinkles, broken veins, sagging skin and ‘age spots’. Meanwhile, UVB is largely responsible for sunburn. It is thought that episodes of severe sunburn, especially in young people, increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer in the future. Also, bad sunburn can cause psoriasis to start where the skin is burned 

The benefits of the sun in psoriasis can be positive but it must be remembered that you still need to consider protecting your skin; it is important to use the most appropriate sunscreen. 

You should also be aware that some chemicals used in industry and medications (for example anti malaria medication) may cause photosensitivity, which may increase your risk of a sunburn reaction on exposure to sunlight.

Some food and dietary supplements, and certain herbal preparations or supplements, such as St John’s Wort, can cause photosensitivity in people.

But remember, Vitamin D is essential for bone and skin health. If a diet is deficient in Vitamin D, sunlight will provide what is needed and this may improve some skin disorders, including psoriasis.

Don't forget to slip your SALVX RESCUE CREAM into your travel bag!