Many psoriasis sufferers are under the impression that tanning beds can help treat or control the condition. Is there actually any truth to this though? Will spending fifteen to twenty minutes a few times a week help ensure that your psoriasis is more manageable? Here are some of the things that you should know about the effects that tanning beds have on psoriasis.
UVB Rays Help With the Management of Psoriasis
Various research has shown that UVB rays can help control psoriasis. The reason that UVB is known to be so effective at treating psoriasis is because it will help slow down the growth of skin cells that form scales and flakes on the skin. Many dermatologists recommend UVB therapy as a primary treatment option for psoriasis. Do tanning beds actually provide this form of therapy to psoriasis patients, however?
Tanning Beds Use UVA Rays, Not UVB Rays
Many people are under the belief that tanning beds contain UVB rays. This couldn’t be any further from the truth, however. Tanning beds operate solely on UVA rays. UVB rays are held accountable for providing the body with Vitamin D. Contrary to popular belief, it is not actually possible to obtain any Vitamin D through a tanning bed. So, since you are not able to achieve the same exact health benefits from tanning beds as you are from the sun, is it still possible for this to be a therapy for those with psoriasis?
Tanning Beds May or May Not Help Psoriasis
The issue of whether or not tanning beds actually help psoriasis is a fairly controversial one. There are many doctors who feel that tanning beds can provide psoriasis sufferers with UVA therapy. Some even feel that it is more ideal for patients than the sun because unlike UVB rays, it is much less common to experience burns from UVA rays. Part of the reason that burning in tanning beds is less common is also due to the fact that you are monitored to ensure that you are not receiving overexposure. Many dermatologists also feel that tanning bed exposure is not worth the risks associated with it, and will only recommend it as a last resort therapy option.
Monitoring For Melanoma While Treating Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition which can be very difficult to live with, especially if it affects all areas of the body. Many people are willing to go to almost any extent to reduce the effects of this bothersome and embarrassing condition. If you have made the decision to use a tanning bed in order to get your psoriasis under control, the most important thing that you will need to do is be careful. Having your dermatologist check you for signs of melanoma after you have begun using the tanning bed on a regular basis is the best thing that you can do.
If you suffer from psoriasis, visiting a tanning salon may be an option for you. UVA rays are known to aid in the treatment or management of acne, so there is a possibility that it may help with psoriasis. Remember to put safety before anything else, however. Careful monitoring to ensure that you do not experience skin cancer as a result of tanning bed therapy is very important.
