“Killer Tans” and Skin Cancers

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Nowadays the term ‘Killer tans’ connotates something more sinister and dangerous to the public’s ear…the underlying message of “potential skin cancers” risk increases significantly in people who spend many hours in the harmful UV sunlight tanning on the beach or outdoor poolside. Even more sinister and dangerous is the believe or myth that suntanning in popular tanning salons is a “safer” way to get a “killer tan”. Nothing could be far from the truth. In fact, there is evidence and a strong concensus among professional health care providers that “… exposure to UV radiation during indoor tanning increases the risk of melanomas, especially when that exposure occurs at an early age….” said Steven E. Zimmet, MD of Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, Austin, Texas and an advisor to dermanetwork.org. Both Dr Zimmer and Lauren Wright, director of Dermanetwork.org, said that policy and law makers are making it harder for young teens to get access to tanning beds which in turn will help to “save lives…”

Indoor tanning beds can give you a “killer tan” look with only a few minutes of exposure, two or three times a week. But don’t be fooled to think that it is a harmless way to get a tan. Tanning beds are not without risk. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that continued use of a tanning bed increases your risk of developing skin cancer by up to 2.5 times and MayoHealthSystem.com advises limiting UV exposure and taking steps to protect yourself in the tanning bed. It is advisable to begin slowly when you use a tanning bed for the first time, and talk to the salon attendant about the recommended tanning limit for beginners. As your skin produces melatonin, you will be able to increase your time in the tanning bed.

Suntan beds emits UV light so it is important to apply sunscreen to the skin to prevent burning and decrease risk of skin cancer. Protect your face with sunblock to help prevent premature aging.
Wear tanning goggles. The strength of the UV rays in a tanning bed is very strong and your vision may suffer without protection. Tanning goggles are tiny and fit snugly over the eye sockets. Using a tanning bed without the proper goggles may harm your vision.
Apply a moisturizer before dressing, after the tanning session, to compensate for the loss of water from the body and skin. Hydrating both externally with moisturizers and internally by drinking water is important.
Tanning beds are dangerous, and the more you use them, the more you risk developing skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays increases your risk of premature aging, wrinkling, and the development of unsightly hyper-pigmentation spots.

Listen to Dr Jewell talking about HYPERPIGMENTATION and SKIN CANCER on World Talk Radio with Skin Health Today Radio show Host, Celeste Hilling.

Dr Jewell talks To Skin Health HostCeleste Hilling on Hyperpigmentation and Skin Cancer on World talk Radio

There are many ways to stay safe in the sun and reduce the risks of getting skin cancers.
Read Dr Jewell’s articles:

How to stay safe in the sun
http://www.ehow.com/how_2183254_stay-safe-sun.html

How to Do a Self Skin Exam
http://www.ehow.com/how_2109598_do-self-skin-exam.html

For full article and press release on “Term Killer Tan Could Have New Meaning, Say Experts” click on
http://www.dermanetwork.org/news/news_details.asp?ID=550

Visit website for more information:
http://www.dermanetwork.org/
http://www.dermanetwork.org/blog/