The sun and psoriasis: How to safely enjoy the summer

Summer brings with it the promise of sunny days and time spent outdoors, but for those living with psoriasis, sun exposure requires a cautious and informed approach. Sunlight can have both beneficial effects and potential risks for people with psoriasis. Understanding how to navigate this dynamic can turn summer into an ally for your skin health.

1. The benefits of the sun

The benefits of moderate sun exposure for people with psoriasis are well documented in the medical community. Sunlight, especially type B ultraviolet rays (UVB), plays a significant role in natural therapy for psoriasis. These UVB rays have the ability to penetrate the upper layers of the skin and influence the skin cell production process, which can lead to symptom relief for many patients.

Mechanism of action

UVB rays help reduce the growth rate of skin cells through a process called natural phototherapy. Normally, skin cells mature and shed from the skin's surface in a cycle of about 28 days. In the case of psoriasis, this cycle is accelerated, causing cells to accumulate on the skin's surface, forming scaly plaques. Controlled exposure to sunlight can slow down this accelerated cycle, helping to reduce the formation of new plaques and alleviate existing ones.

Additional benefits

In addition to the direct effects on psoriasis, the sun also stimulates the production of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune system function, and may play a role in reducing inflammation. Adequate levels of vitamin D can contribute to improving overall health and effectively managing psoriasis.

Practicing moderation

Although the benefits of the sun are evident, it is essential to practice moderation and avoid excessive exposure, which can lead to sunburns and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Exposure should be gradual and controlled, starting with short periods and gradually increasing the duration of exposure depending on the skin's response. It is important to mention that sun protection remains essential for healthy skin areas to prevent sunburns and other sun-related damage.

2. How to safely expose yourself to the sun

Sun exposure can be a key element in alleviating psoriasis symptoms, but it must be approached with caution and wisdom to avoid adverse effects. Here is how to expose yourself to the sun in a way that is both safe and beneficial for your skin:

Start gradually

A cautious approach is essential when you start exposing yourself to the sun. A gradual start helps you observe how your skin reacts to the sun and adjust the exposure time accordingly. Short sessions of 5-10 minutes per day are a good starting point, allowing the skin to gradually adapt to sun exposure without overloading it. As your skin becomes more tolerant, you can increase the exposure time up to a maximum of 30 minutes per day, taking into account your skin's individual response.

Use sunscreen

Even though the sun can have therapeutic effects on psoriatic plaques, unaffected skin must be protected to prevent sunburn and additional damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is essential for exposed skin areas not affected by psoriasis. Apply the sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.

Avoid peak hours

The intensity of UV rays reaches a maximum between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Exposure to the sun during these hours can significantly increase the risk of sunburn and dehydration. Plan your sun exposure sessions during the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon, when the sun is gentler, to minimize the risk.

Hydrate yourself

Hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, especially during the warm summer months. Adequate water intake not only helps you stay hydrated but also supports the skin's elasticity and suppleness. Additionally, regular application of moisturizing creams helps maintain the skin's protective barrier, reducing the risk of irritation and dryness.

3. Attention to medications

Approaching the treatment of psoriasis during the summer requires special attention, especially when it comes to prescribed medications. Many systemic or topical treatments used for managing psoriasis, including certain retinoids, methotrexate, and some biologic drugs, can increase the skin's photosensitivity. This means that the skin becomes more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun, such as sunburns or phototoxic reactions, even after brief exposure.

Check with healthcare professionals

It is crucial to discuss your treatment regimen with a dermatologist or pharmacist before exposing yourself to the sun. They can provide detailed information about the photosensitivity potential of the medications you are taking and how to minimize the risks. For example, they may recommend adjusting doses or changing the treatment schedule during the summer to reduce sensitivity to the sun.

Additional protective measures

If your treatment increases your sensitivity to the sun, it is essential to take additional protective measures:

• Rigorous application of sun protection: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (50+), and apply it generously to all exposed areas of the skin, including those treated for psoriasis. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Wearing protective clothing: Clothes with UV protection, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide an additional layer of protection against UV radiation.
• Seek shade: Try to spend time outdoors in shaded areas or plan your activities outside of peak sun hours.

Skin monitoring

Being more sensitive to the sun, it is important to monitor any changes in the appearance of your skin. Signs of sunburn, irritation, or any unusual reaction should be discussed immediately with your doctor. Early detection and prompt management of any adverse effects can prevent complications and ensure the continuation of psoriasis treatment under the safest conditions.

4. Listen to your skin

Careful listening to your skin and adapting sun exposure behavior according to its response is fundamental in effectively managing psoriasis during the summer. Each individual is unique, and the way psoriasis reacts to the sun can vary significantly. Some may find that a short daily exposure to the sun alleviates symptoms, while others may discover that their skin becomes more irritated or inflamed after the same amount of sun.

Monitoring and adjustment

To navigate this individual variation, start by observing how your skin reacts to initial sun exposure. If you notice redness, itching, or a new appearance of psoriatic plaques, these are signs that your skin may be too sensitive for the current sun exposure. On the other hand, an improvement in the appearance and feel of the psoriatic plaques may indicate a beneficial level of exposure.

It is crucial to adjust the duration and intensity of your sun exposure based on these observations. If your skin responds well, you can gradually increase the time spent in the sun, while ensuring you do not exceed limits that could lead to overexposure and sunburn. If your skin reacts negatively, it is advisable to reduce exposure and seek other methods to manage psoriasis, consulting with your dermatologist.

The signals of your skin

Listen to the signals your skin sends and respond accordingly. Symptoms such as increased dryness, intense itching, or inflammation may indicate the need for a more cautious approach. On the other hand, calmer skin and a reduction in symptoms suggest that your current strategy is working.

The role of moisturizers and sunscreen

Regardless of your skin's response to the sun, maintaining hydration is essential. Use rich moisturizing creams tailored to your needs to maintain the skin's protective barrier. Additionally, applying a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF on areas of skin unaffected by psoriasis will prevent sunburn and other damage that can worsen the condition.

The summer sun can be a friend, but also a challenge for people with psoriasis. By taking an intelligent and cautious approach to sun exposure, you can enjoy its benefits while minimizing the risks. Remember to protect yourself, stay hydrated, and consult a specialist before making any major changes to your care routine.

Thus, summer can become a season full of opportunities rather than restrictions for those living with psoriasis. By adopting a well-thought-out strategy for sun exposure, you can turn this natural source of light and warmth into an ally in the fight against psoriasis symptoms. Proper protection and constant hydration are essential to ensure that your skin remains healthy and as little affected as possible by the specific conditions of summer. Additionally, close collaboration with a dermatologist will help you navigate seasonal challenges with confidence and adjust treatments according to the specific needs of your skin.

Approaching the sun with respect and caution allows you to explore the limitations and benefits of exposure, finding the perfect balance that favors both skin health and overall well-being. Summer doesn't have to be a time of isolation or anxiety because of psoriasis. With proper preparation and necessary precautions, you can enjoy sunny days and live every moment of the warm season to the fullest.

Therefore, let summer be a time of renewal and joy, adapting your skincare routine to the challenges it brings and embracing the sun as a friend, not as an enemy.

This balance will help you not only to manage psoriasis effectively but also to enrich your life experience, opening yourself up to new activities and pleasures of summer. Thus, with planning and care, summer can truly become a season of freedom and joy, even for those living with psoriasis.