That Tanning Bed Moment Can Turn Into "Eye-opening Burn"

Thanks for posting.

I suspect you would not expose a child to a tanning bed so for the record let's for once extend the precautions we take for children to all adults" and say - if the tanning bed is not suitable for a child - it is not suitable for any person who wishes to avoid free radical development - risk of skin caner and other dangerous outcomes from use of tanning beds.

Please review the numerous studies associated with tanning bed use that were conducted by independent parties.  I have as yet to see one physician "recommend tanning use on a regular or irregular basis."

Thanks for your prompt reply.

My original comment was for the Health Gal's comments that would mislead readers in understanding UV. Sunbeds do not penetrate to internal organs.

Now, to yours. If you feel that tanning beds are not suitable for anyone, how do you suggest that we ban outdoor UV exposure that regularly results in over exposure or sunburn. Should we urge our elected officials to also ban all outdoor sports and activities? Should all pools and beaches be closed except at night? No daylight soccer games, hiking, biking, gardening, etc?

Childhood obesity is at epidemic rates. Nutrition at many schools is poor and Phys Ed is optional. More kids are using free time in front of computer games, videos and TV. Now, you want them away from UV exposure. What health consequences lie in wait for these cave dwelling kids?

For those that choose UV exposure, we suggest doing so with indoor tanning professional, where UV is controlled by skin type and a timer allowing for moderation and responsibility and reducing the risk of erythema or sunburn. 

Choice to abuse natural dangers is one thing; providing additional "replications of those dangers" to young people and to less informed individuals is criminal.  There is incredible ongoing debate and action in the processed food industry, at the school level in vending machine choices, even now in discussion "fast food free zones" at high schools.  We've done it already with cigarette smoking (particularly second hand).  As a health expert I am merely demanding the same intent in your industry.  If your industry would like to set up a "cancer care fund," to care for those individuals who sustain damage from use of your tanning booths and machines - that would be a great "single step forward."  At some point I do predict class action lawsuits and other significant movement to serious and profound regulation in your sector.

The indoor tanning industry provides controlled doses of UV in moderation by skin type, for those weigh the pros and cons of UV exposure ad choose indoor tanning. The outside sun has no such controls. 

Many anti-UV positions tout rising melanoma rates. But as the Health Gal correctly points out, we are now using technology that finds even smaller lesions and moles that lead to melanoma. These new findings may influence us to think that the rates are suddenly rising, but specialists are doing such a great job a finding these smaller lesions that were not being detected in the past, which is fantastic. In addition, do to sharper awareness, more people than ever are submitting to skin cancer screenings.  95% of basal and squamous cell carcinomas can be treated successfully if detected early.

Melanoma incidence is largely male and being found on much older people (median age 59), although the typical indoor tanner is younger and female. 90% of melanoma incidence is found on people over 45 years of age. This older age group stems from the lack of SPF usage (which was not widely available until the 80's), lack of pubic awareness, and a mind set by many that "you had to burn before you could tan". Fortunatley, groups like the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society is doing a great job disseminating information on the hazards of overexposure and sun burn.

Indoor tanners make a choice to tan indoors. A recent consumer test was conducted by the FDA; To conduct the consumer testing required by section 230(b) of FDAAA, FDA retained a contractor to evaluate the effectiveness of the warning labels on indoor tanning devices in communicating the risks that use of the devices pose for the development of irreversible damage to the eyes and skin, including skin cancer. Each group had a combination of experienced indoor tanners and participants who have never used indoor tanning equipment from both sexes. Prior to being shown the labels, the participants were asked for their general opinions about indoor tanning. In most of the focus groups, and without prompting, participants mentioned some of the dangers associated with indoor tanning - specifically, acute damage to the skin and skin cancer.

The point being that most people that chose indoor tanning as a moderate and controlled method of UV exposure are inundated with anti tan messages from magazines, to health topic websites and blogs, to news broadcasts and other forms of media. They are aware of the consequences of over exposure. Less informed? Hardly.

As long as individuals involved in the tanning industry are allowed to continue to dispute objective double blind studies in the name of "giving choices," we will continue to see rates of dangerous life-threatening skin cancers continue.  Young women, who typically frequent these tanning salons, are not informed individuals who make necessarily sound judgements; and by the time one of them develops life-threatening skin cancer and "tells her story" - it is often too late and it is absorbed by many as "well that happened to her - it won't happen to me."  that unfortunately is human nature, even among the "informed."

I, as many health professionals do, consider the use of tanning booths "risky behavior" similar to smoking, using alcohol in excess, having unprotected sex and making other choices despite excellent information available.  Your point has been made - it will continue to be disputed by myself and the vast majority of individuals who have the health and welfare of others at the heart of our discussion points - not the necessity to be a "bit more brown" which seems to be your major "vanity contention point."  Our attitude is - use some bronzing poders and you will have both your vanity satisfied, while your health risk for skin cancer is kept significantly reduced.  You see, there is an alternative for everything.  We just need to have tanning booth exposures banned and turn to the alternative options that are safer.

Your points have been clearly noted.

A good debate for sure. Thanks for the forum.

You may find addtional "healthy" information on sunless bronzers at

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-tan4.html

Keep up the good work.

Joe

(PS) You seem very knowledgable on this subject, but I didn't catch your name :(

Who are you?  

I am one of the experts on the site, Amy Hendel, a medical journalist/Physician Assistant.  More about me at www.healthgal.com.

Thanks for joining the discussion.

Hi Joe!

I met you last year here in Orlando & look forward to seeing you again in October in Nashville!

Unfortunately the above link you posted is broken or no longer exists. The FDA's information on sunless tanners & bronzers can now be found here:

http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/ProductandIngredientSafety/ProductInformation/ucm134064.htm

Thanks!

Thanks for the updated link Noelle--see you in Nashville!

joe

If you click on (above) "read all healthgal's posts" - it will take you to the full articles.  Here's the link for this full article on tannning beds - http://www.healthcentral.com/skin-cancer/c/41003/44320/tanning-moment

Due to the fact that it was an older post, they may have curtailed the full content here - but you can access all my full articles by just clicking on the "read...." link.

So sorry to hear what happened but glad you now realize the dangers.  If there is any serious burn area on your skin or if you continue to have symptoms, get a quick check up with your doctor - just to be on the safe side.

Then make a vow to "tan with self tanners" because there are so many good ones now on the market.  It's really the only way to self tan safely.  Otherwise - use sunblock and your skin (and wrinkles) will thank you later in life!!