Tanning Bed Skin Problems
Tanning beds are popular because they can give the skin a golden color, no matter what the season. They are marketed as a safer alternative than natural sunlight, because they do not require people to stay in the sun for prolonged periods of time. However, some skin problems can appear that are associated with the frequent or improper use of tanning beds.
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Cancer
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One of the misconceptions about tanning beds is that they eliminate the risk of skin cancer because there is no direct sunlight involved. Skin cancer can be caused by an overexposure to ultraviolet light, which indoor tanning beds utilize. Although there are different kinds of cancer, the most common is called basal cell carcinoma, which affects the outer skin layer. Skin cancer can be treated, as long as it is detected early.
Aging
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Skin that regularly undergoes the process of tanning is more prone to premature aging, because overexposure to the ultraviolet rays decreases the skin's elasticity. Other signs of premature aging in the skin include sagging, wrinkling and a rough texture. Those with fair skin are more prone to damage, so the frequency of the tanning bed's use must be regulated.
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Burning
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Anyone whose skin burns in direct sunlight will probably burn in a tanning bed as well. Some of the problems tanning beds may cause are related to sunburn, such as peeling, blistering and dry patches.
Alterations
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One of the most common problems caused by tanning beds is spotting in the skin. This means that the skin in certain areas, usually the face and neck, no longer contains the same amount of melanin found in the rest of the body. This happens because the pigments are altered by overexposure to ultraviolet rays. Once this occurs, there is no way to even out the skin color again. In addition to changes in color, regular use of tanning beds can alter the way skin cells develop, so that they are unable to heal properly, resulting in dry skin. Excessive dry skin, if not alleviated, can lead to psoriasis or eczema. The result is peeling and itchiness all over the affected areas.
Rashes
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Rashes can occur because of allergies triggered by the ultraviolet light that is used to alter the color of the skin. The medical term used to refer to the allergic reaction is called photodermatitis or sun poisoning. The usual treatments for this condition include medication and phototherapy, a process used to make the skin less sensitive through controlled exposure to light. A change in diet often complements these methods. Rashes can also occur because of poor hygiene and maintenance of the tanning bed.
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