Health Topics for Skin Health

Department of Dermatology

Department of Internal Medicine: Allergy

Dermatological Cancers

Tanning beds

People think that tanning beds are safe. That you cannot get sunburn from a tanning bed. That they are a safe alternative to sunbathing. But studies have shown those claims are not true. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Skin damage at earlier ages is becoming more common with the use of tanning beds and lamps. More pre-cancerous lesions are being found in 20 and 30 year olds.

In the United States, 1 in 3 cancers is skin cancer. They are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. The sun emits two kinds of ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB. Both cause wrinkled skin, cataracts, and damage to the retina of the eye. UVA goes deeper into the skin.

Most sun lamps and tanning beds mainly give off UVA radiation. These are less likely to cause sunburn, than UVB from sunlight. But, that does not mean they are safe. The lights act as a radiation multiplier. This increases the risk of skin cancer. UVA radiation is classified as a human cancer-causing agent.

The number of skin cancer cases has been rising over the years. Experts say this is due to increasing exposure to the sun, tanning beds, and sun lamps. More than 1.3 million new skin cancer cases are likely to be diagnosed in the United States this year.

The number of cases of melanoma is rising also. Studies have shown that people who used tanning beds before the age of 35, have a melanoma risk eight-fold higher than people who have never used them. Even occasional use almost tripled the chances. Using commercial lights also more than doubled the risk. Melanoma, with a suspected link to UVA exposure, is often fatal if not detected early.

A 2002 study of participants who used tanning beds, found increases in other types of skin cancer also. Those who use the tanning beds were:

• 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma
• 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and
• more likely to develop basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, the younger they were when they began using these tanning devices

When exposed to tanning beds, the skin becomes red immediately. This peaks at approximately 8hrs and continues for 24 to 48 hrs. Burning with blisters can occur with this type of tanning too, if not careful.

When exposed to the rays, the skin tries to protect itself. It thickens and produces a substance called melanin. This pigment darkens cells and, over time, causes:

• premature aging of the skin
• an increased risk for skin cancer
• red, itchy, dry skin
• sagging, wrinkled skin
• burning of the skin and
• damage to the immune system

The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Dermatology have warned people for many years about the dangers of tanning. They want to ban the sale and use of tanning equipment for non-medical purposes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage people to avoid use of tanning beds and sun lamps.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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