11/24/2006

TANNING BEDS PARTICULARLY HARM YOUNG PEOPLE

If you think that a few visits to the tanning salon are not particularly harmful, or that tanning will condition your skin for the beach, you would be wrong on both counts. In fact, there is no research to show that either tanning beds or exposure to real sunlight will somehow condition the skin to avoid skin cancer. Instead, exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) from either source can lead to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. Moreover, the American Cancer Society warns that the risk of melanoma more than doubles for people who began using ultraviolet tanning lights prior to age 35. The risk increases with added exposure to UV light.

Most skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and wearing sunscreen whenever outdoors. Avoiding tanning booths is also helpful. At ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY, we offer evaluation and medical and surgical treatment of various skin conditions in adults, teens, and infants. Please call us at 630-832-2111 for high-quality, personalized care from a Board Certified Dermatologist. We are located at 242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst. Most medical insurance, Visa, and MasterCard welcome.

P.S. A sunburn is not a sign of health. Instead, it is the skin’s response to insult by UV rays.