Sunlight and other psoriasis treatments
Some medications, treatments and supplements can make you more sensitive to light. Call your pharmacy if you are unsure about potential photosensitivity reactions with medications you are currently taking. Additionally, it is always important to tell your doctor what medications you are using and that you are using natural sunlight as a treatment for your psoriasis. He or she will be able to tell you if there is a possibility of a reaction or if you should reduce your time in the sun.
If you are being treated with the light sensitizing drug psoralen, plus UVA (PUVA) or UVB, make sure to
discuss sunlight exposure with your phototherapy nurse or doctor. Some doctors may suggest not
using natural sunlight during PUVA or UVB treatment. They may alter your treatment schedule to
accommodate your sunbathing, or you may be able to reduce your phototherapy treatments during sunny weather. If you are spending time at the pool and in the sun, do not use home UVB light treatments without first talking with your doctor.
If you use Dovonex (a vitamin D3 derivative, also known by its generic name calcipotriene) you can continue using it while self-treating with sunlight. However, Dovonex should not be applied before sunbathing because it may partially block the ultraviolet light, and UV rays can inactivate the medication.
Patients using Tazorac (a vitamin A derivative, also known by its generic name tazarotene) should avoid exposure to the sun unless told otherwise by a doctor. Tazorac can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and cause burning.
If you are using tar products, be very cautious about sunbathing, even if you have washed the tar from the skin. Tar products make your skin extra sensitive to the sun's effects and more likely to sunburn.
Other topical products can also make your skin more sensitive when exposed to natural sunlight. For example, Elidel and Protopic, two topical products that are approved for treating eczema, can increase an individual's photosensitivity and their risk of skin cancer.
Photosensitivity can occur from many systemic (affecting entire body) medications. Some high blood pressure drugs, antibiotics and psoriasis medications can put you at high risk for a dangerous sunburn. Check all of your medications for possible photosensitivity reactions.
Also, some foods and dietary supplements, such as celery, St. John's wort and masterwort, can cause photosensitivity and should be used with caution when undergoing a regimen of sun therapy.
It may be beneficial to apply a thin layer of mineral oil to the psoriasis lesions before sunbathing. Avoid applying the mineral oil to uninvolved skin. This will increase the effect of the sunlight and help preserve the skin's moisture. However, it is important to note that using mineral oil can increase the likelihood of getting a sunburn. Because of the increased effectiveness, you may want to decrease your sun exposure time. As noted earlier, a sunburn may cause psoriasis to flare.
Updated October 2005 | 
