While some MyPsoriasisTeam members report improvements in their symptoms from tanning beds, medical professionals do not recommend this as a treatment option. Some members note that their sores dried up and itching decreased after tanning sessions, but others experienced minimal benefits or worsening of symptoms.
The key Show Full Answer
While some MyPsoriasisTeam members report improvements in their symptoms from tanning beds, medical professionals do not recommend this as a treatment option. Some members note that their sores dried up and itching decreased after tanning sessions, but others experienced minimal benefits or worsening of symptoms.
The key difference between tanning beds and medical phototherapy is that tanning beds:
• Primarily emit UVA light rather than the more therapeutic UVB light
• Cannot be precisely monitored like medical phototherapy
• Expose your entire body rather than just affected areas Most importantly, tanning beds pose serious health risks:
• They are classified in the highest cancer risk category (alongside tobacco and asbestos)
• Using tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 59%
• They can increase squamous cell carcinoma risk by 67%
• They can increase basal cell carcinoma risk by 29%
Instead of using tanning beds, discuss proper phototherapy treatment options with your dermatologist. This allows for controlled, monitored exposure to the right type of UV light specifically for treating psoriasis.
September 14, 2025