The sun has always been a friend to me in regards to my P, so I have to admit that I don't use sunscreen as often as I should... But I just read in one of the threads that sunscreen does not block the sun's positive effects on P--Does anybody know how or if sunscreen/sunblock effects the benefits the sun can bring to P? Or if there are specific types of sunscreen that are better than others?
Thanks-- it's a beautiful sunny and soon to be HOT day in Boston (FINALLY!!), and I'm planning on enjoying all of it outside...
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
Katie :D


The way I understand it, SPF6 means you can stay out in the sun six times as long. SPF8 means
8 times as long. I don't use any sunscreen, 'cause I want to get as much out of those rays as I
can. :D


But I just read in one of the threads that sunscreen does not block the sun's positive effects on P
I've never heard this before, but it's not true. The burning rays are UVB, that is also what helps Psoriasis the most. Sun Block protects you from UVA and UVB rays for a period of time, based on how long before you normally burn.
You have to find a balance between enough UV exposure to clear Psoriasis and preventing skin cancer. By not using any sun block you are putting yourself at risk of burning and skin cancer down the road. Remember burning is a bad thing.


I do not use sunblock. If you want the sun to help with your P, you should not use sunblock unless you are going to be out in the sun "too long".
"too long" depends on time of day and year, where you are at, your skin, and how use to the sun you skin is.
P burns a lot faster than normal skin.
I have scars on my knees that burn fast, I let them get a few minutes of sun, then put block on the sensitive places.
I would not recommend more than 5 - 10 minutes at first, and slowly build up.
Remember, you can always get more sun tommorrow, but you can never get less sun yesterday.
If you will be in the sun longer, use sun block.
Using the sun to help with P can cause cancer, and premature ageing of the skin. PUVA/UVB/NBUVB do the same, I have heard they do less damage, but I am not sure if that is true.
One good thing is that those of us with P tend to see derms.
Dennis


Hi Katie,
Long time no talk!
The sun has always helped my psoriasis too. I also use sunscreen. SPF 40 because I also burn very easily. We went down the shore for our latest NJ Get together (I also learned the hard way that a sunburn on top of psoriasis is NO fun! :eek: ) Here's what I do: 1) Whenever I'm going to be speading time in the sun -- say at a barbeque, the beach, a Mets game, etc. etc. -- I'll put some sunscreen on the non-p affected parts of my body. (Fortunately, my p is very mild.) After about 10 - 15 minutes (I gradually increase this time), I'll put some sunscreen on my p. I figure why risk skin cancer? (Fortunately, as Dennis said, p people tend to see the derm on a regular basis. So hopefully, any problems will be spotted early.)
Nothing is foolproof! On Saturday, we went Down the Shore (i.e., the beach) for our latest New Jersey get together and I still wound up with a mild burn!)
Hope this helps.
Mike
Mike


The sun has always been a friend to me in regards to my P, so I have to admit that I don't use sunscreen as often as I should... But I just read in one of the threads that sunscreen does not block the sun's positive effects on P--Does anybody know how or if sunscreen/sunblock effects the benefits the sun can bring to P? Or if there are specific types of sunscreen that are better than others?
Thanks-- it's a beautiful sunny and soon to be HOT day in Boston (FINALLY!!), and I'm planning on enjoying all of it outside...
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!
Katie :D Hello Katie,
The sun can be a powerful weapon against Psoriasis, but if not used properly, it can cause more damage than many of us would like. Moderation is the key, and if you plan on being in the sun for extended periods, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more is a wise choice. Moderation as always is the key.
An excerpt from the BUPA website (The British United Provident Association) provides the rationale:
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are emitted from the sun. UVA primarily causes an ageing effect on the skin and UVB primarily causes burning.
UVA is long wavelength radiation, which penetrates deeply into the skin. It triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that causes the skin to tan. It causes premature ageing as well as wrinkles, sagging and other problems. UVA exists throughout the daylight hours and during the winter months too, so we end up being exposed to it more than UVB.
UVB is a shorter wavelength radiation that mainly affects the outer layers of the skin and are mostly responsible for causing sunburn. UVB is mostly present during the summer months.
In the past it was thought that only UVB damage could lead to skin cancer, but now it is thought that UVA plays a part too.
The best ways of protecting your skin from damage are to use factor 15 or more sunscreen, wear loose clothing, a hat and sunglasses. It's important not to use sunscreen as an excuse for spending more time in the sun though, especially with no other protections, as this can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Retrieved from http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_inform...un_care/uv.html


I have learn quite a bit by just reading about the sun screen on this thread.
Thanks,
Diane