Psoriasis

Should You Use Sunscreen When You Have Psoriasis?

This article was medically reviewed by Tiffany Clay-Ramsey, MD, FAAD.

Woman applying sunscreen to her face on the beach — (Javi Sanz/Getty Images)

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Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation in the form of raised plaques and scales on the body, affects more than 3% of the U.S. adult population. Symptoms often begin between the ages of 15 to 25, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, but can start at any age.

Normal skin cells grow and shed off over the course of a month, but with psoriasis, skin cells do this at an accelerated rate (usually only three to four days), and instead of shedding, may pile up on the surface of the skin. The results are red bumps, silvery-white scales, flaking and crusty patches, and the potential for pain and itching.

Common psoriasis locations include the hands, feet, scalp, ears and eyelids, nails, elbows, and knees. These locations, also called “high-impact sites” can be in highly visible areas of the body with a lot of sensitivity, making them more susceptible to adverse effects from treatment options.

Can Sunlight Help Treat Psoriasis?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, phototherapy (or light therapy) is one of the treatment options for psoriasis. The treatment stems from two different types of light - ultraviolet light B (UVB), and psoralen + ultraviolet light A (PUVA).

Both of these treatment options would usually require the assistance of a healthcare provider, and may include lasers, localized or handheld light units, or topical treatments.

Sunlight, which includes both UVB and UVA, may also help alleviate some psoriasis symptoms. It’s not as effective or targeted as the other medical options, but the combination of natural sunlight and higher humidity may help lessen joint pain and stiffness for those with psoriatic arthritis. The amount of sunlight exposure should be strictly monitored to avoid sunburn, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.

Best Sunscreen Options For Psoriasis

Dab of sunscreen on woman's arm — (Mariya Borisova/Getty Images)

It is important to use sunscreen because psoriasis patients can be at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, especially if undergoing light treatment therapies. There are three important factors to keep in mind when buying sunscreen:

The label should include “broad spectrum” to indicate protection against UVA and UVB rays
SPF 30 or greater
Made for sensitive skin, and is fragrance-free

It’s been suggested to look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are the only two ingredients that are “generally recognized as safe and effective” according to the Food and Drug Administration. Using a cream over an aerosol sunscreen has also been recommended.

There have been health concerns with ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone, among others, which can be absorbed into the body after use according to some studies published by the FDA.

Be sure to talk to your dermatologist for specific sunscreen recommendations.

Applying Sunscreen To Plaques

Person applying sunscreen to girl at beach — (Science Photo Library/Getty Images)

You can apply sunscreen to psoriasis plaques to prevent sunburn, but, if the plaques from psoriasis are inflamed or cracked open, you should not apply sunscreen to that area. You’ll want to cover that area with protective sun clothing instead. UV rays tend to be the strongest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (standard time).

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