Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, in the onset of which genetic and environmental factors such as stress, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking and alcohol play a role.

Patients with psoriasis can benefit from the sun and the warmer climate typical of the summer season, provided they take some precautions, as recommended by Professor Antonio Costanzo, Head of Dermatology at Humanitas, in an interview.

“To be beneficial, sun exposure must be carried out gradually – starting from 10-15 minutes and then gradually increasing exposure time – and with adequate sun protection (with a filter suitable for your photo type), renewing the application every two hours and avoiding being in the sun during the central hours of the day. Burns can trigger the reactivation of psoriasis or facilitate the onset of new plaques.

It is also important that the skin is always well hydrated and that softeners and mild detergents are used after exposure to the sun.

 

Talk to your dermatologist

In the mildest cases, exposure to the sun can reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms and in some cases even lead to a complete regression of psoriasis. This benefit is not valid for all forms of psoriasis.

“There are special variations of psoriasis, such as the pustulose and erythrodermal forms, which are negatively affected by exposure to the sun and therefore sun exposure should be avoided,” explains the professor.

It is always good for the patient to consult a dermatologist, so that he knows whether or not exposure to the sun is advisable in his case along with what instructions.

 

No need to interrupt treatment

Today, “the so-called therapeutic holiday that was recommended to the patient in the summer, when old generation drugs (such as immunosuppressants) were stopped, is no longer necessary. The new personalized therapies are more effective, safe and have no toxicity problems, do not have to be discontinued and maintain the long-term effects,” concluded Prof. Costanzo.

Again, it is recommended to talk to your dermatologist about this, who will provide you with the appropriate advice depending on your situation.