Summer, in general, is good for people with psoriasis , especially when they are near the sea. “The sun, the high humidity and contact with sea water are beneficial factors”, explains Miquel Ribera, dermatologist at the Hospital de Sabadell – Corporació Parc Taulí and advisor to the association of patients Acción Psoriasis .
Of all these factors, the most important are the sun and the humidity of the environment.
Sea water
“The effects of sea water are less important and are overrated. There is no scientific basis to demonstrate its benefits, despite the fact that many patients report it. Part of its supposed positive effect on psoriasis could be related to its relaxing effect, “says Ribera.
Sun
As for the sun, the expert highlights that ” the sun has beneficial effects in 90 percent of people with psoriasis .”
Still you have to follow the same precautions as anyone else. Ribera advises sunbathing without a filter for about 20 or 30 minutes and then applying sun cream, both to healthy skin and psoriasis patches. ” The exposure time should be progressive starting with 10 or 15 minutes , taking into account the phototype of each person’s skin.”
According to the specialist, it is advisable to use sun creams with a protection factor of 50+, which filter out both ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) radiation.
It is essential to avoid sunburn, since “apart from pain and discomfort, like other trauma to the skin, they can trigger the appearance of psoriasis lesions in the burn area.”
Sand and chlorine
Regarding sea sand , Ribera acknowledges that “if there are no skin wounds, the sand does not harm psoriasis.”
The chlorine pools, meanwhile, if used correctly concentrations governing law, has no harmful effects on the skin.
In any case, “all people are advised, whether or not they have psoriasis, to take a shower after leaving the pool to remove the remains of chlorine, algaecides and other products used in swimming pools that may remain on the skin,” recalls the dermatologist.
Cautions
Actually, people with psoriasis should take the same precautions in summer as anyone. Ribera remembers some:
- Do not expose yourself excessively to the sun to avoid sunburn and heat stroke.
- Drinkplenty of water or liquids to maintain good hydration.
- Apply emollientand moisturizing body lotions every day to avoid dry skin.
