CALL TODAY: Too much of anything usually isn’t good for you. The same goes for too much sunshine if you live in the Miami area, and even more so if you have psoriasis.
Sunlight in moderation is actually therapeutic when it comes to psoriatic lesions on the skin. The summertime humidity also helps to keep the skin moist and slows down psoriasis outbreaks. The Vitamin D produced by the interaction of the skin with sunlight stimulates skin cells to regenerate as healthy new cells.
However, too much sunlight that results in sunburn has a totally opposite result, known as the Koebner effect. That is when new psoriatic lesions form on areas of the skin that have been traumatized by sunburn.
The chronic skin disease psoriasis results when there is a rapid turnover of skin cells, forcing immature cells to the surface of the skin and forming as clumps of cells or lesions. Psoriatic lesions appear as unsightly dry, scaly aggregates of skin cells. They can cause itching, burning, or swelling of the affected area.
Moreover, when too much sun exposure damages the skin, it actually accelerates the rate of skin cell turnover, making psoriatic lesions worse or causing fresh outbreaks. Sunburn also can turn normal skin into psoriasis depending on the degree of skin damage.
Sunlight in moderation is good however excess sun exposure can be problematic. This simple maxim is worth keeping in mind if you have psoriasis and plan to enjoy a day outside at the pool or beach. By limiting sun exposure you greatly reduce the risk of sunburn and making your psoriasis worse. Using sunblock provides a measure of protection, paying attention to reapplication every 2 hours and after swimming and excessive sweating.
Before you take matters into your own hands, you might consider talking about your psoriasis with a qualified cosmetic dermatologist. Drs. Diane Walder, Cynthia Golomb and Stacy Chimento are board certified Miami dermatologists and the leading practitioners in their field in the United States. Located near Miami in Bay Harbor Islands, FL, they can be contacted at 305-866-2177 for a consultation.
