Indoor Tanning Health Risks May Outweigh Benefits
DR. STEVEN C. BUCK
As the temperatures rise and shorts replace pants, pale winter skin may sway some to consider the speedy effects of indoor tanning to achieve a bronze summer glow. However, indoor tanning is even more dangerous than outdoor sun exposure.
“The myth of health associated with a suntan is simply that—a myth,” explains Steven C. Buck, D.O., FACOI, an oncologist practicing in Tulsa with Cancer Care Associates. “Some people expose themselves to the sun for the vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D made available is minimal compared with the risk of skin cancer with prolonged exposure.”
He further explains that tanning is the body’s way of protecting itself against ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. The brown pigment melanin produced by skin is spread throughout the exposed areas. This pigment only minimally protects the skin against further damage from UV radiation.
Despite this information, the use of indoor tanning devices which emit ultraviolet light, both in tanning salons and at home has never been more popular. The industry serves 28 million people, generates $5 billion a year, and is represented by 30,000 tanning facilities across the country, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
“Many patients consider indoor tanning to be a safer alternative to sun tanning,” he explains. “But it is just the opposite; tanning beds emit up to twice as much skin damaging radiation.”
Dr. Buck explains that overexposure to UV rays can cause eye injury, premature wrinkling and aging of the skin, light-induced skin rashes and increased chances of developing skin cancer.
“Young women are prone to use tanning salons,” explains Dr. Buck, “because while the aging effects and skin cancer might take years to surface, the
perceived social value of a tan is immediate.”
He warns that the dangers of tanning are serious and increase the potential for skin cancer, including:
• Malignant melanoma: The deadliest form of skin cancer, often surfacing as a flat or slightly raised discolored patch that has irregular borders. This is the result of intense exposure in childhood, resulting in multiple sunburns.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common form of skin cancer, BCC can be identified by an open sore, a red patch of skin, a shiny bump, a pink growth or scar-like area. This type of skin cancer follows a similar pattern to melanoma and is best identified by a physician.
Updated 08-22-2006
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