Tanning Bed Dangers
By
KSPR News
Story Created:
Mar 17, 2008
Story Updated:
Mar 17, 2008
It's that time of year again. Many spring breakers and vacationers hit the tanning beds to get a head start on that bronze glow.
But beware. You can catch a lot more in tanning beds than just a few rays.
“if you think about what a tanning bed is … essentially you’re lying naked on a hot skillet after somebody else just lay naked on that hot skillet”
Dr. Dawn Davis has seen plenty of infections from tanning beds. This patient contracted warts from a tanning bed that was not properly cleaned. She’s having laser treatment to remove them.
“I started off with 300 warts. Freaked me out. Grossed me out”
But now, Four years and many treatments later, the warts are almost gone.
“Last time was it 15? Very good progress”
Warts, caused by the human papilloma virus or HPV are just one of the many health risks associated with tanning bed use.
“It’s very dangerous. I’ve seen people come to my office who’ve gotten severe burns and scarring from tanning beds and lots of infections”
Rashes, Skin Ulcerations and Cellulitis, a type of skin infection often caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria, are just a few. UVA and UVB rays can also cause cataracts and damage your retina.
“The other think I like to warn against tanning beds is that you increase your risk for Melanoma approximately eight times over your lifetime”
So before you stretch out on a tanning bed, consider the risks.
Wednesday, Mar 19 at 10:23 PM KJ wrote ...
Being tan is over-rated in my opinion. I have never seen anyone who tanned regularly that didn't eventually have very leathery looking skin. Besides appearances, it just can't be healthy to lay in the heat, indoors or outside, essentially cooking your body to give it color. Yuck!
Wednesday, Mar 19 at 4:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...
yes i think tanning are safe i have been tanning for yrs. with no proublems and it helps me with my back pain and arthits.
Wednesday, Mar 19 at 4:52 PM Joy wrote ...
Nobody can tell me that tanning beds aren't dangerous; I have a friend who used to go to tanning beds all the time. She got skin cancer and had to have multiple skin graphs; they had to peel off her skin in several places on her body!
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