Tanning beds and Ribavarin?

Hey Guys,
     Although I live in South Florida, and only minutes to the beach.  I rarely go.  I do however, get my tan by GE. I know...I know tannings beds aren't that great with all of the hype about them.    Am I wrong in thinking or reading somewhere that one shouldn't go out or be in the sun for long periods of time if on ribavirin?   And if not in the sun, then I assume that it holds true for tanning beds, eh?  Why?  Thanks so much for all the info.

In Him,
Rick

[honey11]

Hi Rick,,,Yes the riba does dry your skin out and also seems like you are more apt to have skin reactions so the sun doesn't do great for long periods.  Maybe trying a tanning bed in small increments and see how it does on your skin would be a good idea with lots of extra lotion afterwards and of course,,,water!  I tried it while on my tx but it did break me out more so with the riba rash!

[compulsive]

I also remember some kind of warning about sun exposure and ribavirin.

  I am sure tanning beds would be included.

  I believe there is some risk of an eczema-like skin rash (different from the famous "riba rash").  That is all I remember though - I don't know if it's a common reaction or not....

[NYgirl]

Don't even think of doing it.  Sun is a bad thing for our skin on treatment and a tanning bed is no different EXCEPT it is GREATLY magnified due to the meds.

I made the mistake once. I've never burned in my LIFE and did that time in places even I didn't know I could.

And right there on the wall was a list of meds that you should not tan if you are taking.  INTRON was right on the list.


Of course - I thought I knew better at the time but I found out I did not.

Take the instructions verbatim that is why the pamplets are there.

Unless you happen to like looking like a tomato that is ;)

[NYgirl]

Don't even think of doing it.  Sun is a bad thing for our skin on treatment and a tanning bed is no different EXCEPT it is GREATLY magnified due to the meds.

I made the mistake once. I've never burned in my LIFE and did that time in places even I didn't know I could.

And right there on the wall was a list of meds that you should not tan if you are taking.  INTRON was right on the list.


Of course - I thought I knew better at the time but I found out I did not.

Take the instructions verbatim that is why the pamplets are there.

Unless you happen to like looking like a tomato that is ;)

[lab-rat]

My skin seemed more sensitive to the sun in the beginning of treatment (it was late summer in the NorthEast).  However after I'd been treating for a few weeks, I decided to try to tan very slowly to see if my skin would be ok  (Yes, I know its bad for me!).  We were planning a trip to the Carribean and I wanted some exposure beforehand.  I ended up being fine, I think in moderation you might be ok.  However there have been horrible reports from others on treatment regarding skin issues, so I'd be careful.  Just take it easy and listen to your body.

[painterlady13]

Not sure who it was but back in July or so before I started TX there was some talk about tanning beds here one person said they tried one while on TX and within 10 minutes they had to get out because of burning and were left with purple splotches on their body from the lights.  I would wait till you are well done (no pun intended)  with TX before attempting to tan in a tanning bed.

[AMAZED]

thanks guys,
I have good color now ( to help with the good ol' self esteem ), but I think that I will forego the bed until tx is over.  I think alot of it was just thinking....if we can at least look ok to ourselves, then we might feel somewhat better.  I know, or at least I have been told, that while doing tx we can look somewhat healthy,  with a few slight changes, it no beauty treatment.  Thanks.....

In Him,
Rick

[sfbaygirl]

I used a tanning salon and the beds during tx this summer before I went to Jamacia. I figured a slow tan would be better than a big burn when I got there. I did go much slower at first and didn't have any problems with it. I got some good color and no burning while lying in the sun. This must me one sx that skipped me! Also gardening, when I can do it, I have no problems with the sun.

[Kalio1]

Tanning beds do have dangers associated with them, how about going for a "spray on" tan like all the stars and celebs do? They even have people that come to your house to do it!

Sun sensitivity can be an issue on Riba, I imagine whatever rays they are using in tanning beds would have the same or similar effect as the sun. Maybe try it for a short time and see if it works ok for you.

[ladybug52]

Kalio beat me to the punch about the spray on tans. I have used them before my daughter's wedding and they're not bad. Plus so less drying to the skin. I went to Bahama Beachtan(?) and they had a little tank that you would lay in with moisturizer on before the spray tan. Suppose to help it absorb better. Probably a crock but it was relaxing. Kinda vibrated with mist and changing lights. Just a thought.
Janice

[APKhaos]

Skin problems are a common side effect of both SOC and SOC + VX950. A few of us here have had dermatologists prescribe UVB treatment as part of treating the rash. Its an expensive light box/vertical tanning booth, but with very accurate control of both wavelength and dosage.

Still, it felt weird turning up for 'tanning sessions' twice a week.