A new study has found that the summer sun is actually good for psoriasis patients as the heat benefits the irritated skin.
Often, dermatologist and health experts discourage people from soaking in too much of the sun's rays as they are known to cause cancer and premature aging. However, in a new study conducted by researchers from Loyola University Health System, experts found that the sun's rays can actually be good for psoriasis patients as they sooth the irritated skin.
"The sun is one of the best treatments for psoriasis, so in summer I encourage my patients to sit out on the deck and give their affected areas a good sun bath," said Julie Moore, M.D., dermatologist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of Loyola University Health System, in a press release. "30 minutes is adequate to improve the skin; you do not need to sit out for hours." The ultraviolet rays in the sun are beneficial to the irritated skin.
The disease is caused when the immune system mistakes normal skin cells for pathogens and reacts by creating an overproduction of skin cells. It is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States.
Approximately 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, a disease that has no cure. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, over $11.25 billion is spent each year on direct and indirect healthcare for patients of the disease.
"Psoriasis has a strong genetic link and if both parents have it, the child has a 50 per cent chance of having it," said Moore. "If one parent has it, the child has a 10 percent chance of having psoriasis."
Other forms of treatment include medication, creams and artificial light exposure.
