In a study, researchers explored the relationship between psoriasis and sunburn in a US population aged 20 to 59 years. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009-2014), the researchers found that patients with psoriasis had a higher prevalence of sunburns (55.4%) compared to those without psoriasis (45.6%), particularly among adults aged 20 to 39 years.
The study highlighted that both behavioral and biological factors might contribute to the increased sunburn risk in individuals with psoriasis. Behaviorally, individuals with psoriasis might seek out light therapy, inadvertently raising their sunburn risk. Biologically, the inflammation associated with psoriasis can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, making it less effective at protecting against UV radiation. The study controlled for various confounding variables, including age, race, and BMI, ensuring that the observed effects were due to psoriasis alone. Future research should focus on the specific biological and behavioral factors contributing to this increased sunburn risk, which could lead to better prevention strategies and clinical guidelines for managing psoriasis.
Reference: Buchanan L, Osborne S. Psoriasis and Sunburn: New Study Highlights Increased Risk and Clinical Implications. Dermatology Times. Published June 18, 2024. Accessed July8, 2024. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/psoriasis-and-sunburn-new-study-highlights-increased-risk-and-clinical-implications
