Risk/Hazard of Reptile Lamp

I used to have an iguana when I was a kid and am thinking about buying another one. But to keep, them, you need a special kind of lamp that produce UVA/UVB, and I am wondering if the amount these kind of lamps produce is enough to cause skin damage, especially since I will kept it in my bedroom ???? If so, isn't it irresponsible for pet store to sell them without any warnings ???? Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Iguanas have a tough and scaly skin and require UVA and UVB light but these are not safe for humans. UVA and UVB are thought to be potential carcinogens and may predispose to malignancies. So it is advisable not to be exposed to it for a long time.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.