The core question of whether commercial tanning beds can treat psoriasis is a common one, arising from the known effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) light in managing this chronic skin condition. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to thick, red, scaly patches called plaques. Light therapy, or phototherapy, is a medically recognized treatment because it harnesses the anti-inflammatory properties of UV light. However, medical organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology actively discourage using commercial tanning beds for this purpose. Tanning beds are not a safe or controlled substitute for prescription phototherapy, and the risks associated with them significantly outweigh any potential, unproven benefit.
Understanding How UV Light Affects Psoriasis
The therapeutic effect of light on psoriatic skin is largely due to the ultraviolet B (UVB) component of the spectrum. UVB light penetrates the skin’s surface layers and acts on the underlying biological processes that drive the disease, which involves an immune system malfunction that accelerates the skin cell life cycle.
UVB light works by slowing down this rapid production of skin cells and suppressing the localized immune response. By inducing the programmed death of certain immune cells, the UV radiation helps restore a more normal skin cell growth pattern. This immune-modulating effect reduces the inflammation and redness associated with plaques. Natural sunlight contains both UVA and UVB, but the UVB portion provides the majority of the beneficial effect for psoriasis.
Key Differences Between Tanning Beds and Medical Phototherapy
The primary distinction between commercial tanning beds and medical phototherapy units lies in the type of UV light emitted and the level of control over the dosage. Tanning beds are designed for cosmetic tanning, meaning they primarily emit high doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) light. UVA is less effective for treating psoriasis on its own and requires a photosensitizing drug, psoralen, to be therapeutic. Tanning beds contain only a small, inconsistent, and uncontrolled amount of the beneficial UVB light.
Medical phototherapy devices, in contrast, use specialized bulbs that emit precise, controlled wavelengths, most often focusing on Narrowband UVB (NBUVB). NBUVB is highly effective because it targets a specific wavelength (311 to 312 nanometers) that is most therapeutic for psoriasis while minimizing exposure to harmful wavelengths. A dermatologist supervises phototherapy sessions, carefully calculating the dose based on the patient’s skin type and condition. The light quality, duration, and intensity are rigorously standardized in medical units, ensuring the patient receives the optimal therapeutic dose.
Major Health Risks of Using Commercial Tanning Beds
The uncontrolled nature of commercial tanning beds makes their use for psoriasis treatment highly dangerous. The most significant concern is the dramatically increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The World Health Organization has classified indoor tanning devices in the highest category of cancer risk, placing them alongside agents like tobacco and asbestos.
The high ratio of UVA light in tanning beds accelerates skin aging, leading to premature wrinkles and leathery skin. Furthermore, the lack of dosage control can easily result in severe sunburns, which can trigger a worsening of psoriasis symptoms, known as the Koebner response. This response occurs when trauma or injury to the skin causes new psoriatic plaques to form at the site of the damage. Many medications used to treat psoriasis also increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV light, making tanning bed use even more hazardous.
Medically Approved Light Treatments for Psoriasis
For patients who require light therapy, dermatologists prescribe several safe and effective treatments that are entirely distinct from commercial tanning.
Narrowband UVB (NBUVB)
Narrowband UVB (NBUVB) is considered the gold standard and a first-line therapy for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This treatment involves standing in a light cabinet two to three times a week for a course of several weeks, with the dosage gradually increased under medical supervision.
Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA)
Another option is Psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), which combines an oral or topical photosensitizing drug, psoralen, with UVA light exposure. PUVA light penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB, making it an option for thicker or more resistant plaques, though it is reserved for severe cases due to a higher risk profile.
Excimer Laser
For localized, stubborn areas, the Excimer laser delivers a high-intensity, focused beam of 308-nanometer NBUVB light directly to the plaque. This targeted approach spares the surrounding unaffected skin and is effective for small areas or the scalp.