PSORIASIS and TANNING - Psoriasis Message Board

LovelyLizz · 09-26-2003, 12:23 AM

Hey everyone,
I'm 20 years old now and have had this pesky psoriasis for 10 years.. It comes and goes, but lately I've been breaking out all over my body and scalp. It's horrible and I'm young and like to wear the cute outfits but now have to cover up my body! I used to do the ultra-violet treatments at the derm and those worked but were costly. I've been reading alot about the tanning beds. The only thing is i'm asian and have dark skin already. Do you still need to apply tanning lotion if your purpose isnt really to tan? Are there meds that you combine w/ the tanning? If anyone out there using tanning beds as psoriasis treatment reads this, can you share your routine? THANKS. hope to hear from someone.

Marti · 09-26-2003, 05:51 AM

I don't go to the tanning salons anymore even though I don't have psoriasis - I don't go because I am 55 now, and don't want anymore wrinkles than I already have

I have heard, though, that tanning is good for psoriasis because of the UV rays. They are reduced in the tanning beds than the amount you get from the sun because tanning beds do not emit the UVB rays that can cause skin cancer. I wouldn't apply the tanning lotion if you go into the beds - you shouldn't need it for protection unless you use a sun blocker - but then I believe you would defeat your purpose.

Dawnrise · 09-26-2003, 11:38 AM

I've had psoriasis for quite a few years and no kind of medication, ointments, etc. helped. I ended up going to a tanning salon (to get a tan) and ended up clearing up my psoriasis. I've been in remission for over 2 years now. Now I only go tanning when I see the psoriasis start to flare up. But even that is becoming more rare. I never used any tanning lotion even though I know you should. But that's just my way of doing things. I also take meds for another condition and it hasn't affected the tanning/psoriasis treatment.

[This message has been edited by Dawnrise (edited 09-26-2003).]

LovelyLizz · 09-26-2003, 10:02 PM

thanks for the reply guys! i know that tanning is not good for your skin but i figure i'd take clear skin any day no matter what the consequence. unless you have psoriasis you wont know what it really feels like

... anyway, so ultimately its ok to go into the bed w/out applying anything to the skin? dry tanning, i think they call it...

BennaGayle · 09-28-2003, 10:19 PM

Be careful not to get a sunburn. It will make the psoraisis worse.