Psoriasis and Sun Exposure: Finding the Sweet Spot Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing it to become red, itchy, and inflamed. The condition affects an estimated 3% of the world’s population and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. While there is no cure for psoriasis, many treatments can reduce its symptoms and help manage the disease. One of the most effective therapies for psoriasis is sun exposure. However, it is essential to find the right balance between sun exposure and the risk of skin damage. What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a condition that affects the immune system. It causes the skin cells to grow abnormally quickly, resulting in the buildup of thick, scaly patches on the surface of the skin. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. The symptoms of psoriasis can range from mild to severe. Mild cases may be barely noticeable, with only a few small patches of rough, dry skin. In severe cases, the patches can cover large areas of the body and may be itchy, painful, or bleed. Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to thicken, crumble, or separate from the nail bed. While the exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, experts believe that a combination of genetics and environmental factors play a role. Certain triggers, such as stress, infections, and medications, can worsen psoriasis symptoms. How does Sun Exposure Affect Psoriasis? Sunlight is one of the most effective natural treatments for psoriasis. Sun exposure can help slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D in the skin, which has been shown to play a role in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. However, too much sun exposure can also be harmful to the skin. Excessive sun exposure can cause skin damage, including premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. People with psoriasis need to find the balance between getting enough sun exposure to improve their condition and protecting their skin from damage. How to Find the Sweet Spot Finding the sweet spot between sun exposure and skin protection requires a careful balancing act. The amount of sun exposure that a person with psoriasis needs will depend on the severity of their symptoms, the location of their patches, and their skin type. People with psoriasis should take the following steps to find the sweet spot: 1. Consult a doctor People with psoriasis should always consult with their doctor before starting any new treatment, including sun exposure. A doctor can advise on the best course of action based on an individual’s medical history, skin type, and current symptoms. 2. Determine Skin Type The amount of sun exposure that a person with psoriasis needs will depend on their skin type. People with fair skin are at a higher risk of sun damage and should take extra precautions. People with darker skin may need more sun exposure to produce enough vitamin D. 3. Identify the location of Patches The location of psoriasis patches can also affect how much sun exposure is needed. Patches on areas of the body that are more exposed, such as the arms and legs, may need less sun exposure than patches on areas that are covered, such as the scalp. 4. Use Sun Protection People with psoriasis should always use sun protection when spending time outdoors. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. 5. Gradually Increase Sun Exposure To avoid sunburn or other forms of skin damage, people with psoriasis should gradually increase their exposure to the sun. Start with short periods of sun exposure and gradually increase the time spent in the sun. 6. Watch for Signs of Skin Damage People with psoriasis should watch for signs of skin damage, such as sunburn or blistering. If skin damage occurs, reduce sun exposure and use sun protection. Conclusion Sun exposure can be an effective natural treatment for psoriasis. However, it is essential to find the right balance between sun exposure and skin protection to avoid skin damage. People with psoriasis should consult with their doctor, determine their skin type, identify the location of their patches, use sun protection, gradually increase sun exposure, and watch for signs of skin damage to find the sweet spot.

Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840.

National Psoriasis Foundation https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/phototherapy/psoriasis-and-light-therapy.