The Sun and Psoriasis Symptoms: What You Need to Know

You probably already know that unprotected sun exposure can increase your risk of melanoma and carcinoma. But did you know that sunlight can actually benefit people with psoriasis? In fact, medically supervised UVA exposure is one possible psoriasis treatment option. Before undergoing this psoriasis treatment, the dermatologist might prescribe an oral or topical medication that makes the skin more receptive to UVA rays.

Alternatively, some dermatologists might recommend getting 30 minutes of natural sunlight exposure every day. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Excessive and unprotected sunlight exposure does increase the risk of skin cancer, which can be deadly. Additionally, getting sunburn will actually worsen existing psoriasis plaques and can cause new ones to form. It’s best to consult a dermatologist before subjecting your skin to unprotected sunlight exposure for the purpose of treating your psoriasis.

At Arlington Dermatology, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional patient education and sophisticated dermatology treatments. If you live in Arlington Heights and are interested in psoriasis treatments, contact us today at 847-392-5440.