Tanning Bed Side Effects
Tanning beds, like natural sunlight, emit UVA and UVB radiation. As awareness of the dangers of tanning--and UVB rays in particular--grew, tanning beds were redesigned. Beds now use high-intensity UVA light. But skin damage and related side effects can still occur.
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Malignant Melanoma
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In the past several decades, malignant melanoma has increased faster than any other form of cancer. UVA rays may actually increase the skin's susceptibility to the more damaging UVB rays.
Other Skin Cancers
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Squamous cell and basal carcinomas look like pink, scaly lumps on the skin. Both are less serious than melanoma, but can spread (squamous cell) or cause scarring (basal cell).
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Aging Skin
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UVA rays travel deeper into the skin, damaging the skin's connecting tissue. Loss of skin elasticity and premature aging occur.
Phototoxic Reactions
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Vitamins, skin lotions and certain foods can cause an allergic skin reaction when your skin is exposed to tanning bed rays. Burns of varying severity have been reported.
Drug Interactions
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Tanning rays can interfere with prescription drugs. The Food and Drug Administration has published a list of medications that may cause sunlight sensitivity or other interactions.
Cataracts
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Goggles are provided at most tanning salons, but they don't always provide enough protection. Continued retinal burning can lead to permanent damage, including cataracts.
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