Dangerous Effects of Tanning Beds
The safety of tanning beds has been debated for many years now. Some will say they are safer than the sun, while many medical professionals tend to disagree. The bottom line? Both the sun and tanning beds emit UVA and UVB rays, ultraviolet light that can damage the body in various ways. Despite the warnings and the debates, people still flock to these beds in search of the perfect tan. It is up to each individual to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding to visit a tanning bed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Skin Cancer
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When using a tanning bed, there may be an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Tanning beds use a combination of UVA and UVB lights to provide the perfect tan. The UVA wavelengths penetrate deep into the skin, which results in the tan itself, while the UVB wavelengths affect the surface of the skin. Both have the ability to contribute to skin cancer; UVA rays tend to damage the cells located in the deeper layers of the skin, while the UVB rays tend to affect the outer layers of the skin, causing a sunburn. Both can cause changes in the skin, some of which can be cancerous.
Premature Aging
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Because the UVA wavelengths penetrate deep into the skin and increase the possibility of damaging cells, a person can begin to show signs of premature aging after prolonged use. These signs include spotted skin and premature wrinkles.
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Medications
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Certain medications can cause a photosensitive reaction to the UV rays being emitted. This reaction may not only increase the risk of sunburn, but may also adversely affect the the effectiveness of specific medications, including birth control pills. It should be noted that not everyone taking the specified medications will develop a photosensitive reaction, nor will every person experience the same reaction.
Eye Damage
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Sunburn is not only a possibility on the outer layer of the skin, but can also affect the cornea of the eye. This condition is known as photokeratitis, and the symptoms can include redness in the eye, painful tearing and temporary blindness. These symptoms may not appear until 12 hours after the session. In some cases, the damage to the eye may culminate over a period of years. This can possibly result in the formation of cataracts.
Immune System
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It is believed that because UV rays damage the skin cells, and can result in skin cancer, the immune system may be weakened because of fighting the cancer. The function of the immune system may become suppressed, leaving people susceptible to certain infections of the skin, such as cold sores from herpes. Finally, if you ever become hurt or injured, the repairing of your DNA may take twice as long, increasing your risk for developing an infection. This is because of a slowed immune system, due to the radiation emitted from the UV rays in the tanning bed.
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