Slide show: Caring for your skin when you have psoriasis

Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light can improve your psoriasis. Your dermatologist might recommend light therapy (phototherapy) treatments using artificial sunlight. This is usually done in a doctor's office and involves standing inside a light box for 15 to 30 minutes about three times a week.

Alternatively, your doctor might recommend exposure to natural sunlight. To start, you'll go outside at noon and expose skin affected by psoriasis for about five minutes, gradually working up to sunning affected areas three times a week. Remember that too much sunlight can cause sunburn or a psoriasis flare, especially if you're using certain medications. Protect skin that isn't affected by psoriasis with sunscreen.