Sunbeds, phototherapy and psoriasis – what do I need to know?

We recently assisted BBC health editors looking into ‘harmful misinformation’ that claimed sunbeds can help with seasonal depression, vitamin D deficiency and skin disorders including eczema, acne and psoriasis.

The Psoriasis Association is clear that using a sunbed at a gym, salon or spa or from a private company is not the same as having UV therapy in a hospital. Despite this, this BBC investigation found thousands of videos on social media that made unsubstantiated health claims about sunbeds.

We were asked to provide the BBC with some facts and recommendations around ultraviolet (UV) light and psoriasis. These were not included in the final story - but are available to read below.

Can UV from the sun, or phototherapy, help with psoriasis?

Many people with psoriasis notice an improvement in their skin after they have spent time in the sunshine, or on their return from holidays.

This is because ultraviolet light reduces inflammation in the skin and is offered in hospitals and other clinical settings to those with psoriasis who have not seen success with topical treatments such as moisturisers, topical steroids and coal tar.

The difference between sunbeds and clinical phototherapy

Psoriasis is treated with either narrowband UVB or PVUA – here’s how these treatments differ to sunbeds and home lamps:

Narrowband UVB is a small part of the UVB spectrum used to treat certain skin conditions. Hospital-based UVB treatment only uses the specific part of the spectrum that is useful for treatment, to avoid exposing people unnecessarily to UVB, whereas sunbeds and home lamps utilise a much wider spectrum of UVB.

PUVA is UVA light, which is combined with a chemical called psoralen (P), as on its own, UVA light is not beneficial in treating psoriasis. When combined with psoralen, the skin becomes more sensitive to the UVA light, making the treatment more effective. When receiving treatment on a personal sunbed, this will be mostly, or entirely, UVA light, and notably will not utilise psoralen.

These key differences mean that using personal sunbeds or home lamps provide very little benefit in the treatment of psoriasis - but still come with the known risks of increased exposure to UV.

Find out more

Other organisations such as The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and the British Skin Foundation join us in strongly advising against using sunbeds or sunlamps.

The BBC piece was broadcast earlier this week, and the full story can be read online. You can also find read more on our website about Ultraviolet Light Therapy and psoriasis.