I know that sounds kind of dumb, but if I wear sunscreen, doesn't that block the UV rays, which are supposed to be good for psoriasis? Jeez. I already have a great tan and it is still May. It is actually weird though. I have had this recent flare up on my back of tons of little ones. I say it is weird because usually during the summer, the sun really corrects it. Anyway, back to the point. Should I wear sunscreen, or will that blcok the UV rays from helping? Thanks

In the summer what I do is tan for about 15 minutes and I can usually feel when I'm starting to burn as my skin starts to tingle, then I put sunscreen on. But everyone is different so it really depends on how easily you burn etc.

You should always wear sunscreen, it's not about not getting burned but about preventing skin cancer. UV will still get through the sunscreen, it's uv that makes you tan, thus it will make your psoriasis better too. sunscreen is to not get any of the harmful uv spectrum. ALWAYS wear sunscreen.

always, always, always.
Plus, if you get a burn...it can be really bad for your psoriasis. I got a pretty nice burn on my shoulders 2 weeks ago, I broke out with psoriasis on top, then it peeled. Only the top part of the scales came off, which made it hurt ten times worse. Now, 2 weeks later I have finally finished peeling and they still don't look that tan.
If you don't burn wear like a 15, it will help protect you, but allow you to get sun as well. Most tanning oils have sunblock in them as well.

dee pretty much said it all.
just make sure youre SUPER careful about not getting burnt.. for most, that is probably the worst thing you could do for your psoriasis.

Our derm just suggested using one of two products...blue lizard or bull frog. She mentioned that Blue Lizard did not have perfumes, etc. I haven't tried them, yet. I have also heard, just like other posters, that you should avoid getting burned. Happy Summer....

By all means get your sun this summer...but.....make sure you get the full advantages of the sun and the vitamin D it provides...
We get the healing effects from the sun by sitting out for 15 to 20 minutes several times a week...without sunscreen! after the time is up...you can then apply your sunblock....there are good sunblocks and not so good...try to get an all natural without all the chemicals..."Jason's products" are good...I have seen them in drugstores!
Now for the best way to get the "D" from the sun is....do not wash the natural oils off your skin before you go out in the sun....this is what the D uses to help absorb the D
It takes about 24 hours for UV-B-stimulated vitamin D to show up as maximum levels of vitamin D in the blood. Cholesterol-containing body oils are critical to this absorption process.(10) Because the body needs 30-60 minutes to absorb these vitamin-D-containing oils, it is best to delay showering or bathing for one hour after exposure. The skin oils in which vitamin D is produced can also be removed by chlorine in swimming pools.
another thing most people do is jump in the water to cool off after sunning! not a good idea as this washes the D off the body before it gets absorbed...
So it's a good idea to not wipe, wash or swim for at least an hour...to let the D absorbed....
THE IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS DO NOT GET BURNED!!!
Here is a good article on the miracle of vitamin D

HAVE FUN IN THE SUN THIS SUMMER ;)

I do not usually venture over to this little corner of the forum, but wanted to say just one thing. You young people are wise beyond your years. :)
Cheers
TimM