Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing redness, itching, scaling, and inflammation. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are various treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with psoriasis.
One such treatment option is tanning beds. But do tanning beds really help psoriasis?
Tanning beds may help psoriasis, but they aren’t generally the best way to go about helping and treating psoriasis.
Below we will go into this in more detail, so you know everything before you consider trying tanning beds yourself.
How Tanning Beds Work
Before we talk about if tanning beds help psoriasis, we should first briefly cover how tanning beds work.
Tanning beds emit ultraviolet (UV) rays that penetrate the skin and cause it to tan. There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays can cause the skin to age prematurely and UVB rays can help reduce inflammation and scaling in psoriasis.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, UVB therapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis, as it slows down the growth of skin cells and reduces inflammation. However, it is important to note that UVB therapy should only be done under medical supervision, as overexposure to UV rays can be harmful to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Benefits of Tanning Beds for Psoriasis
While tanning beds are not a recommended treatment for psoriasis, they do have some potential benefits. These include:
Improving the appearance and texture of the skin – Tanning beds can help reduce redness, itching, and scaling in psoriasis, making the skin look and feel smoother.
Boosting mood and self-esteem – Psoriasis can take a toll on a person’s mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Tanning beds can help boost mood and self-esteem by providing a sense of relaxation and well-being.
Providing a convenient and affordable alternative to medical treatments – Some people with psoriasis may not have access to medical treatments or may not be able to afford them. Tanning beds can provide a cheaper and more accessible alternative, although it is important to note that they are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Risks of Tanning Beds for Psoriasis
While tanning beds may have some potential benefits, they also come with some risks. These include:
Increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging – Overexposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to skin cancer and premature aging.
Damaging healthy skin cells and causing more inflammation – Tanning beds can cause damage to healthy skin cells and exacerbate inflammation in psoriasis.
Interfering with other medications or treatments for psoriasis – Tanning beds can interfere with other medications or treatments for psoriasis, making them less effective or causing adverse reactions.
Exposing to harmful bacteria or viruses in tanning salons – Tanning salons can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses, which can lead to infections or other health problems.
Alternatives to Tanning Beds for Psoriasis
There are safer and more effective alternatives to tanning beds for psoriasis, such as:
Phototherapy or light therapy under medical supervision – Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to UV light in a controlled setting, such as a doctor’s office or clinic.
Topical creams or ointments that contain vitamin D or corticosteroids – These medications can help reduce inflammation and scaling in psoriasis.
Oral or injectable medications that target the immune system or inflammation – These medications can help manage the symptoms of psoriasis and prevent flare-ups.
Natural remedies or lifestyle changes that can improve skin health and reduce stress – These include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers that can cause psoriasis flare-ups.
Important Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tanning Beds Help Skin Conditions?
Tanning beds can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin, but they are not a recommended treatment for skin conditions. Overexposure to UV rays can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Why Does the Sun Make Psoriasis Go Away?
The sun’s UVB rays can help reduce inflammation and scaling in psoriasis by slowing down the growth of skin cells. However, it is important to note that overexposure to the sun can be harmful to the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
How Many Sunbeds a Week is Safe?
Usually, tanning beds for 2-3 times per week is a relatively safe amount. Of course, you are exposing your skin to UV rays which can damage the skin over time. So you might want to consider how often you use tanning beds because of this.
