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Sunlamps and tanning beds promise you a bronzed body with a summer glow year-round, but the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from these devices can pose serious health risks. Although many people think that a tan gives them a healthy glow, any tan is a sign of skin damage. Having a tan is the skin's reaction to the exposure of UV rays. The skin acts in self-defense by producing more melanin, a pigment that darkens the skin. Over time this damage can lead to prematurely aged skin and, in some cases, skin cancer. Whether you tan at the beach, in a bed, or through incidental exposure, it is bad news. No matter what you may hear at tanning salons, the cumulative damage that is caused by UV radiation can lead to premature skin aging. Recent studies have proven that tanning bed use is linked to melanoma. Skin Cancer According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), exposing your body to UV radiation, whether it is from the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning beds, increases the risk of developing skin cancer. There are three common types of skin cancer: basal, squamous and melanomas. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the skin, such as a new growth or sore that will not heal. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer and accounts for more than 90% of all skin cancer in the U.S. Basal cell carcinoma generally never spreads to other parts of the body, but can cause damage by growing and invading the surrounding tissue. It is important to monitor your skin in order to properly detect any signs of skin cancer. The key to detecting skin cancers is to monitor your skin for any changes. Even the slightest change should be taken seriously. When monitoring your skin, look for: * Large brown spots with darker speckles located anywhere on the body
* Dark lesions on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, fingertips, toes, mouth, nose or genitalia
* Translucent pearly and dome-shaped growths
* Existing moles that begin to grow, itch or bleed
* Brown or black streaks under the nails
* A sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens
* Clusters of slow-growing scaly lesions that are pink or red Risks of Tanning Not only do you expose yourself to a greater risk of developing skin cancer, but tanning can also cause: * Premature aging
* Immune suppression
* Eye damage
* Allergic reactions Those who support tanning sometimes argue that tanning beds are less dangerous than sun tanning because the intensity of UV radiation and time spent tanning can be controlled. The reality is that there is no evidence to support these claims.
You are no safer in a tanning bed than you are outside. In fact, sun lamps and tanning beds may potentially be more dangerous than the sun because they can be used at the same high intensity every day of the year. Unlike tanning beds, the sun's intensity varies with the time of day, the season and cloud coverage.
Remember, there are other ways to achieve a healthy glow, including sunless tanners. And in the long run, the benefits of a lifetime of healthy skin far outweigh the short term results achieved through tanning. If you detect unusual moles, spots or changes in your skin, or if your skin easily bleeds, make an appointment with your dermatologist in Baton Rouge. Changes in your skin may be a sign of skin cancer. With early detection and avoiding tanning beds, skin cancers have a high cure rate and response to treatment.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Trent Massengale, a leading dermatologist at The Dermatology Clinic, Baton Rouge aesthetic dermatologist. The dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic offer services in microdermabrasion, facial fillers, laser skin treatments and Botox in Baton Rouge.
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