Can sunlight help Psoriasis?
Millions worldwide suffer from a chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches, called psoriasis, on the skin. While conventional treatments with topical creams, systemic meds and light therapy are commonly used, natural treatments are also something most people explore to deal with their condition. One question often arises: Can sunlight help psoriasis?
For centuries, we have observed that sunlight and psoriasis go hand in hand — so many people have reported improvement in their symptoms after spending time outside. In this article, we will see how sunlight can affect psoriasis, the science of the effects, and how you can safely add exposure to sunlight in your psoriasis treatment regimen.
Learn from our insightful video, “Health Benefits Of Vitamin D”.
Understanding Psoriasis
When the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, they multiply rapidly, causing psoriasis. It results in an accumulation of surplus skin cells, giving rise to raised, red patches with silvery scales. In the conventional medical community, the cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood; rather, the disease is influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as stress, infections, and weather.
Sunlight is one environmental factor that significantly affects management of psoriasis.
How Sunlight Affects Psoriasis
Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and in particular UVB rays have been demonstrated to benefit people with psoriasis. Here’s how sunlight helps:
Reducing Skin Cell Turnover
UVB rays work against skin cells that are overproducing and causing the characteristic plaques of psoriasis to penetrate the skin. Sunlight can also reduce this rapid cell turnover and thereby improve skin appearance and feel.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
UVB rays can have anti-inflammatory effects and can help decrease the redness and swelling that comes with psoriasis.
Boosting Vitamin D Levels
Sunlight exposure increases your vitamin D production in the skin. It is very important to maintain healthy skin and regulate your immune system. Many psoriasis patients have been found to have low vitamin D levels and sunlight exposure can help with this deficiency.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Sunlight for Psoriasis
Numerous studies support the therapeutic benefits of sunlight for psoriasis:
Clinical Improvements
Controlled UVB exposure has been shown to greatly reduce symptoms of psoriasis. UVB Therapy in the form of natural sunlight is a more accessible form of UVB therapy.
Seasonal Variations
Sunlight’s positive effects, however, are further suggested by the fact that many people with psoriasis have flare ups during the winter when sunlight exposure is limited.
Vitamin D Connection
New studies suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D whether from sunlight or taking a supplement, may help people with psoriasis.
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How to Safely Use Sunlight for Psoriasis
Sunlight provides some very good benefits, but also requires taking care with the use of it. Sunburn can make your psoriasis worse and may increase your risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips for safe and effective sunlight exposure:
Start Slowly
Start off with about 5 to 10 minutes daily and then increase the time as your skin gets better at tolerating it.
Choose the Right Time
Choose early morning or late afternoon sunlight as this will prevent you from getting exposed to too much intense UV rays.
Protect Healthy Skin
To keep any unaffected areas from getting sunburned, apply sunscreen to these areas while leaving psoriasis-affected areas uncovered for maximum benefit.
Monitor Your Skin
Be aware of your skin’s reaction to sunlight. If you begin to have worsening symptoms or signs of sunburn, decrease exposure time.
Light Therapy: A Controlled Alternative to Sunlight
Phototherapy is the controlled alternative for those who cannot consistently access natural sunlight. Narrowband UVB light therapy, which mimics the benefits of sunlight while excluding the UVA rays that cause premature ageing and cause skin cancer, is recommended by dermatologists.
Phototherapy is helpful especially for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis because it permits them to choose exactly how much and for how long exposure to UV rays will take place.
The Role of Vitamin D in Psoriasis
Vitamin D is an important regulator of the immune system and healthy skin. A deficiency in this essential nutrient is relatively common among psoriasis patients, and can contribute to flare ups.
Sources of Vitamin D
While sunlight is the best natural source, vitamin D can also be obtained through:
- Dietary Sources
Salmon, mackerel, fortified foods, and egg yolks.
- Supplements
If you’ve got low levels or don’t get much sunlight, vitamin D supplements may be a good idea.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
While sunlight can be beneficial, there are some risks associated with its use for managing psoriasis:
Risk of Sunburn
Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn that will worsen psoriasis and damage the skin.
Photosensitivity
Certain psoriasis medications and topical treatments can even make your skin more sensitive to sun. If you have to increase your time in the sun, talk to your healthcare provider first.
Long-Term Risks
Too much UV exposure increases your risk of skin cancer. To reap sunlight’s benefits safely, you need regular skin check-ups and to moderate your exposure.
Holistic Approaches to Enhance Sunlight’s Benefits
Sunlight is only one facet of taking on psoriasis naturally. Combining it with holistic approaches can lead to even better outcomes:
Healthy Diet
Sunlight therapy can be enhanced by a diet full of anti-inflammatory foods. Consume more omega 3 fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as no processed foods and no alcohol.
Stress Management
Psoriasis is often brought on by stress. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises are practices that aid in stress reduction and also aid in skin healing.
Moisturization
Natural moisturisers such as coconut oil, shea butter or ointments containing ceramides will help keep your skin hydrated.
Herbal Remedies
Soothing and anti-inflammatory herbs like Aloe Vera, Oregon Grape and Turmeric could potentially be helpful in reducing psoriasis symptoms.
Support Groups
Talking to a psoriasis support group can give you emotional and practical advice about managing the condition.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Sunlight, although a good natural remedy, may result in complications depending on your sensitivity and your situation. Consult your healthcare provider if:
- Sunlight exposure does not help and your symptoms get worse.
- You have severe flare-ups or complications.
- You’re combining sunlight with other therapies.
Learn from our informative video, “Holistic Health for Psoriasis”.
Conclusion
The best way to manage psoriasis is to boost your Vitamin D production, slow your skin cell turnover, and reduce inflammation all of which sunlight helps to achieve. But it’s important to safely monitor and control your exposure to sunlight to avoid any risks.
A psoriasis strategy that combines sunlight therapy with holistic methods including a healthy diet, stress management and natural remedies can be an effective way of managing psoriasis. If you are planning to do something differently, always consult with a healthcare professional to develop a personalised plan for you.
There are proactive steps toward better skin health and better quality of life that you can take by embracing sunlight and other natural remedies. Step outside, enjoy the sun responsibly, and let nature’s healing power do its thing.
What if we told you that you can heal and even reverse your Psoriasis without having to depend on conventional medication? Start your Psoriasis journey with confidence, using our resources that are meant to guide and encourage you. Start by downloading our FREE Psoriasis guide booklet, containing all relevant information and helpful tips. For those interested in gaining further knowledge and learning more about comprehensive approaches, enrol in our special Psoriasis course. Furthermore, you can book a free consultation from our wellness clinic to get professional help that will be aimed at meeting your needs. Do not let Psoriasis be a hindrance – begin your path to improved skin health right away!
To learn more about Psoriasis, check out our other related blogs:
Can the sun help with Psoriasis?
How To Get Rid Of Psoriasis Using Iridology
How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality Of Life?
Are any other conditions linked to Psoriasis?
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