Tanning beds and a rash

Ok. This is the deal. I have a tanning bed, and have had it for quite some time. I am fair complected, and use it so that I do not burn when I go out into the sun, this way I can work my way up slowly: 5 minutes, 6 minutes, etc. I have never had any problems.

This year, I have a TERRIBLE rash on certain parts of my body: arms, back of my knees, neck and chest. It is driving me nuts! It itches pretty bad, and you can actually see the little bumps.

I switched the tanning accelerator that I was using, and I do not use anything that has a bronzer in it.

Any suggestions or ideas what it might be? Or anyone else had this problem before? I do have sensitive skin. I know - I will get lots of posts telling me to quit using the tanning bed...I was just wondering if anyone else had this happen to them and what they did for it.

THANKS!!

[AndiJ78]

I used to tan way, way, way back in the day. I am also extremely fair skinned. I decided that skin cancer wasn't worth it and just bit the bullet and now when I slather up my boys with sunscreen, I slather myself up, too.

Now, it could be possible you are reacting to the new accelerator, or you could be getting a heat rash. I used to be really prone to that as well. Any area where sweat could pool or creases would break out into a rash. Try not using an accelerator for a while and see if that helps. Or you could try and keep a towel nearby so you can wipe away excess sweat as you tan. Avoid any oil based products, that will only make matters worse.

On a personal note, embrace your fair skin. In 20 years tanning will make you look like an old wrinkly woman, I have noticed a huge difference in my skin since I quit tanning 10 years ago. I look much younger than my same age counterparts who are slaves to the sun. Okay, I'll step off the soapbox ; )

I hope you find a resolution soon.

Andi

[mslkpage]

I got ringworm from a tanning bed one time. Turns out they weren't cleaning the beds very well. I've heard of people getting scabies from a tanning bed too- maybe that's just a myth, though. You should probably see your dr. or a dermatologist if it's not getting any better.

[maryheather]

Lots of nastiness in things like that---even if it's your own germs.  There are multitudes of germs that live on your skin, and thrive in a warm envirmonment.  Just make sure you're cleaning it well, and wiping it down with water.  When you heat up your pores, they open, and all sorts of bacteria get in...then you get out of the heat, the pores close up, and WHAM.  You have an infection.  Hence, the rash.
If I were you, I'd stay out altogether...but that's probably not likely, so I'd say just clean it well, but also make sure there is no residue of cleaner when you get in.

[cugirl]

When I use to go to the tanning bed I got sun poisining one summer from it.  I had never gotten it in previous years of tanning and I had been using the same tanning bed all along.

[channah]

YES YOU CAN GET SCABBIES FROM A TANNING BED IF IT WAS NOT CLEAN CORRECTLY. TRUST ME ON THIS ONE GO TO THE DR. I JUST RECENTLY GOT OVER SCABBIES, VERY PAINFUL. I KNOW WHERE I GOT MINE. IF YOU CATCH IT EARLY THE LESS PAINFUL IT IS. YOU HAVE TO GET A CREAM TO KILL THE LITTLE BUGGERS. YOU CAN NOT SEE THEM THE JUST LEAVE RED DOTS THAT ITCH LIKE CRAZY. DO YOU ITCH REALLY BAD AT NIGHT? DONT WORRY TO MUCH IF YOU DO HAVE THEM. MY DR TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE EASY TO CATCH ALMOST AS EASY AS A COLD. I WAS ALSO TOLD IN SOME CASES IT IS MORE COMMON THAN A COLD. IF YOU LIVE WITH ANYONE ELSE, YOU HAVE TO GET THE CREAM FOR THEM TO. THE DR WILL EXPLAIN IT MORE. WASH EVERYTHING, NO NOT REWEAR CLOTHING W/OUT WASHING. SPRAY ANYTHING THAT CAN NOT BE WASHED WITH THE LICE (RIX). I AM NOT SAYING YOU HAVE SCABBIES BUT IT IS WORTH GOING TO THE DR OVER. YOU COULD HAVE SOMETHING ELSE BUT WHAT YOU ARE DESCRIBING IT SOUNDS LIKE SCABBIES. CHECK IT OUT ON THE INTERNET, AND EXAMION YOURSELF AND TRY TO SEE. YES YOU WILL READ ABOUT REMIDES THE WILL CURE THEM. I TRIED THEM ALL BUT THE ONLY THING THAT WORKED FOR ME WAS A PRESCRIBED CREAM, SO SEE A DR. IF YOU DONT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE GO TO THE HEALTH DEPT. THEY WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
I HOPE I HELP YOU IN ANY WAY.

BEST WISHES

[free spirit]

Perhaps you should just give up on the tanning bed. A rash is far better than skin cancer.

[Dispatch Gal]

YES!  You can get ringworm from tanning beds.  I just got back from the doctor and I knew I had ringworm (by looking online).  
The first thing he asked me is:  Do you go to a public tanning bed?
I have one spot under my arm.  He said ringworm thrives in moist, hot areas...  The staff doesn't clean the bed good enough between uses and you get in and it is the perfect environment for ringworm and I am sure scabies too.
I don't want to stop tanning.....  so, I am going to make sure I spray the bed VERY good prior to tanning................

[Heather13090]

I tan. I'll get really dark tanning everyday for a month straight. then i get bored so i do it every other month. (odd i know) I get a rash on the back of my heals, elbows, chest, knees, and tops and sides of my feet. Iv been to the doctor about it 2 times but it seemed to go away right befor i get there. It could be a heat rash and it could be scabes iv been told. make sure you throughly wipe out your bed before you use it. if you get to hot or start to sweat at all steep out for a min. what i find helpful to stor the itch is coca butter cream. just slab it on rub it in until you see no cream just the grease.

[MetalMommy]

You all are misinformed about the whole tanning proccess.  The medical industry is turning everyone awat from tanning.  Why? Because it makes them less money by scaring everyone away from the sun.  YOU WILL NOT GET CANCER FROM A TANNING BED!  You only can get cancer from being outside and being subject to the (C) Rays.  Tanning indoors only contains the (A) & (B) rays.  When you tan indoors you are protecting yourself from the outdoor rays.  So when you lather up your skin in sunscreen you are only making it worse if you do burn.  Do you know that more people die every year from other things than skin cancer?  Did you know that tanning reduces the risk of these things because of the vitamin D found in the rays?  Osteoporosis, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Colon, Breast and Ovarian Cancers to anme just a few.  Wouldn't you rather take your multi vitamin than block it out?  You all should read DR. Michael Holick's book called "The UV Advantage"  As far as the rashes go, it is a heat rash/uv Reaction.  When your body is not used to the lights, even if you don't burn it has a reaction to the intensity.  So when your tanning operator suggests only going a certain amount of time, listen to them.  They are trained professionals.  You can have a reaction, even if you don't burn.

[eggheadaw]

I just had total knee replacement -- can I go in tanning bed without doing damage to my replaced knee or should I cover it with a towel or something?

[elizakate21]

UVC rays do not even reach to earth's surface so you are incorrect about not gettin skin cancer from uva/uvb rays.I am a trained tanning consultant for planet beach.  Tanning indoors will give you skin cancer just as outdoor tanning will if you do not do it properly. Wait 24 hours between tans, longer if you turned pink the session before. Only used indoor tanning lotions and be responsible. When your skin burns the cells die off and turn over to replace themselves. When they turn over in a deformed state (in simple terms) they are 'mutated' thus skin cancer. The key here is to be careful and responsible. Education is key.

[bonniab]

i've read the responses and frankly don't feel the answer is here...i tan everyyear in a tanning bed and last year had this same experience at one tanning salon and went to another and didn't get it...so thought the bacteria or the cleaner might be the answer until this year i bought my own tanning bed (used) ...i clean it well after each use and the bulbs need replacing because i haven't gotten red at all and haven't broke out in a sweat at all so its not from the cleaner or sweating.  if anyone has any more suggestions please let me know...i also have used a lotion and then not used a lotion...same result...

[LaLa196642]

I have had this same problem, been going to tanning beds for years and last October(08) I broke out and itched like crazy. I quit going until about a week ago and the first 2 times I went I had no problems but the third time I broke out mostly on my stomach.  I decided to give it 1 more try and broke out so bad I did not sleep a wink all night for the itching and kinda feels like little electric shocks on my body. Very wierd. I am giving it up for now, but would like to know what is exactly causing this reaction....

[ninelives999999999]

I just started tanning for my wedding. I get it too and the worst was the second time on my stomach and back so the next time I covered my stomach and back because that was the most tan anyways. Then I got it between my breasts and I had a towel there so I think it is from the intense concentrated heat and my sensitive skin areas. I don't get the rash on areas where my skin is tougher. I put aloe vera lotion on it and it soothes like a sunburn would, stops itching and goes away quickly. If you get a rash from tanning your skin is too sensitive for it and you probably shouldn't go tanning. But if you must I would say go fo shorter times, wipe the sweat during,move around more, and most importantly once you feel the heat starting to sizzle the pores of your skin get out.

[Mrsjosey10182003]

I just started tanning, and also got a rash. I clean the bed before and after I get out. I have used different lotions, and no lotion at all. The place i notice it most is my lower back on top of my tattoo. I will stop going after my summer vacay, but I want to look good before then.
To the poster that said you cant get skin cancer from the bed: there is a sign in the tanning room, and it clearly says "tanning beds, like the natural sun, can cause cancer, use at your own risk" and another sign says "if you dont tan in the sun, you probably wont tan in the bed".

[buttons2009]

What are you using to clean the bed?
you might be having a reaction to the cleaner,
this happened to some of the people who went to the tanner i worked at.
try a mild soap and water mix to clean the bed with EVERY TIME you use it.

[LeahSR07]

I have the same problem with the itchy red bumps everytime I start to tan in the bed again, I haven't found out exactly what it is but I have a pretty good idea that it is just a mild heat rash, I started just tanning every other day instead of everyday and using a stand-up tanning bed instead, the trick is not to get too hot so look for a lotion that will cool you off (they make a special kind) and don't use tingle, also try not to sweat to turn the fans all the way up.

I hope this helps you out some :)

[shaylie09]

I get the same rash which I thought was from my tanning lotion but I quit tanning for a couple of days and went back without using any lotion and still had the same reaction. I mostly get the rash under and in between my breast and on the upper portion of my stomach. while I am in the bed the hotter I get it feels like little needles or an electric shock as someone else described earlier but not to worry if it comes and goes more than likley it is not SCABIES, that seems like it would be a persistent problem.... But yes do check your bed before you jump in at any salon and make sure there is no lotion or sweat residue from the person(s) before you because you are still susceptible to catching a bacterial infection such as staff infection

[GradSchoolNerd]

Ladies (and maybe a few guys...) IT IS ALMOST 100% A HEAT RASH. When skin is exposed to heat, the pores open up. If you have sweat built up in an area, the sweat enters the pores and causes little, irritating red bumps that go away in a few hours/days. The best thing you can do is to try to keep the sweat from accumulating (e.g. use a towel to wipe it off as you are tanning). Also, some tanning facilities offer air conditioned beds (which are awesome!). I would highly recommend these beds to those who are prone to developing these rashes, even though they are a bit pricey. The cooler your body is as you tan, the less likely it is that the sweat will get into your pores.

Once you already have the pesky rash, the best thing to do is take a cool bath/shower as quickly as possible. Cleaning the gross stuff off your skin and allowing it to get fresh air is essential. Afterward, keep the skin DRY using powders. You may be tempted to use lotion. Don't. The rash loves moisture. It's best to keep it dry and stay close to a fan. Trust me... it is a heat rash.

Good luck in the cancer coffins!

[denise72]

I have fair skin and I  get this red itchy rash bad on my stomach and back, it is not scabies and It is not from the lotion or cleaning supplies.  I get this everytime I tan.  Even if I wait years in between.  I am inclined to listen to GradSchoolNerd about the heat rash, however, I was in a very cool bed (stand up) yesterday with air blowing everywhere.  I was not hot at all.   About hour later, I was a bumpy, itchy mess.  Lotion is the only thing making it go away.  I think it is more likely to be some kind of uv reaction.  Anyone have any ideas on that?  

[jice69]

I read these comments & just lauph....  IF TANNING WAS SO BAD THEN WHY IS IT LEGAL.. ITS KILLING PEOPLE ISNT IT ??  THATS A BUNCH OF BULL.. CHECKS THE REAL FACTS .. NO ONE CAN SAY IT CAUSES CANCER .. WITH ALL THE SMART PEOPLE OUT THERE NOT ONE CAN SAY IT FOR SURE CAUSES ANYTHING BAD FOR YOU.. O YES IT MIGHT DO THIS & IT MIGHT DO THAT..... THATS BULL... THE LOTION COMPANIES MAKE MILLIONS ON FEAR.. TANNING OWNERS DONT REALY MAKE (JACK) .. DID YOU KNOW VITAMAN D STUDIES SHOW A REDUTION IN BREAST CANCER BY UP TO 70%... & THE BEST WHY TO GET VITAMAN D ??   TANNING...  U GET MORE BAD UV RAYS OFF THE SUN FROM WALKING OUT SIDE THEN TANNING.. AT LEAST TANNING IS A TIME LIMITED SESSION...  THEY HAVE PROVEN SCIN CANCER RUNS IN YOU FAMILEY.. IF IT DOES STAY OUT OF THE SUN ...... DUH..  STOP ALL THE BLA BLA BLA FEAR TALKING..

[jice69]

& YES I DID SPELL SOME THINGS WRONG.... HA HA

[kmb791]

Stop using the tanning bed and limit your time in the sun.  I used to tan and only after I started using tanning beds did I start to develop this rash.  Typically, it will develop after several consecutive days of being exposed to the sun.  The only way to get any relief is to stop going in the sun.  We take an annual vacation and about three or four days into the week the rash develops.  It does not go away until I stop going in the sun.  I have tried creams and allergy medications and nothing seems to help.  I have not used a tanning bed in about 3-4 years and I do have to say that the rash does not seem to get as severe.  My hope is that the longer I do not use tanning beds, the less severe this rash will get (and maybe go away all together!).  The funny thing is that out of the group that takes this trip yearly, there are a few of us who started to develop this rash...all use tanning beds!  We have gone to the beach every year since we were kids and none of us EVER had this happen before.  Maybe coincidence, but I think it is most likely related.  

[MamaSmitty8723]

I  own a tanning salon.. soo maybe this might help.. You could have a allergic reaction to the UV Rays.. I have das where i am sooo stresssed and i go tanning and id break out in a itchy rash and a few hours itd go away.. and if your lotion isnt any good that may cause an allergic reaction as well..  they typically go bad between 6 months to a year .. if u shake it and it sounds like water NO GOOD!. Try showering an hour before you Tan and then after tanning wait 3 to 4 hours and moisturize.  You can  email me if u  ever need to ask  any questions : ***@****  

[navydoc12345]

Polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption is a common rash that occurs as a result of photosensitivity.

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) generally occurs in adult females aged 20 to 40, although it sometimes affects children and rarely males. It is more common in places where sun exposure is uncommon, such as Northern Europe, where it is said to affect 10% of women holidaying in the Mediterranean. It can be the first sign of lupus erythematosus, but this is not usually the case.

The name ‘polymorphic’, or ‘polymorphous’ refers to the fact that the rash can take many forms, although in one individual it usually looks the same every time it appears.

The commonest variety is crops of 2-5 mm pink or red raised spots occurring on the arms. Other areas may be involved, particularly the chest and lower legs, but the face is usually spared.

Sometimes the rash looks like dermatitis, i.e. it is blistered and then larger dry, red patches appear.

Occasionally there are target lesions; they look like a bull's-eye like erythema multiforme.

In juvenile spring eruption, PMLE may be confined to the ears.


PMLE usually causes a burning sensation or itch that lasts several days.

PMLE may be a rare occurrence in the individual concerned or may occur every time the skin is exposed to sunlight. In most, it occurs each spring, provoked by several hours outside on a sunny day. If further sun exposure is avoided, the rash settles in a few days and is gone without a trace within a couple of weeks. It may or may not recur next time the sun shines on the skin. However, if the affected area is exposed to more sun before it has cleared up, the condition tends to get more severe and extensive.

In most individuals there is a hardening as the summer progresses and more sun can be tolerated without a rash appearing. However, this does not always occur, and some very sensitive individuals even develop PMLE in the winter.

PMLE is thought to be caused by an immune reaction to a compound in the skin which is altered by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The result is an inflammatory rash. It is usually provoked not only by short wavelength UVB but also longer wavelength UVA. This means the rash can occur when the sunlight is coming through window glass, and that sunblocks may not be all that effective at preventing it.

[Catty81]

I go to the tanning bed every year, and its usually the lay down bed. I got a rash from one place so I switched and i didnt get it anymore. Well this year I still go to the same place and I go in the cyclone(stand up bed), and my body is not touching any of the bulbs I just stand there. I broke out in a rash really bad on my thighs, stomach back of my arms. I figured I had to switch the tanning lotion to something with not so high in bronzer. I will see how that works. Any suggestions?

[jeans530]

I have been tanning for a few days now in a lay down tanning bed.  I clean the bed before I go in and im not allergic to the lotion i use.  I have noticed that i have a bump on the palm of my hand and a few bumps on my wrist and fingers.. im not sure what it could be its not itchy or anything im just worried i dont want it to be anything bad

[nurseg443]

okay, just one comment on the one who said you can't get cancer from a  tanning bed.......YOU need to do your research before you tell people they can't get cancer from tanning beds.  first of all tanning beds emit UVA rays!!!!  these are the rays that tan your skin - cause the melanocytes in your skin to darken.  AND YOU MOST CERTAINLY CAN GET CANCER FROM UVA RAYS-IT'S CALLED MELANOMA!!!! AND it's deadly.  it's really sad and infuriating when people post things they know nothing about especially when it can cause someone their life.  

[Beautyfreak]

misinformed about uvc rays. If you are up to date about the enviroment yooooooooooo uld know the pollution is causing the protective layer                that keeps the uvc rays uto thin and that they are in fact now able to penetrate through. last time i heard about it was in school and then they called the hole in the atmosphere. not that its a hole is just thinning due to all the polutants and thats why uvc rays can now reach planet earth.

[amanda132255]

Finally someone got something good to say about a tanning bed! there are advantages! and I think you take your own risks and make your own choices !

[GaPeach11]

This is my third summer going to the tanning bed.  I don't over do it maybe 2 - 3 times a week until I get a light tan then usually 1 to 2 times per week. I build my time up a minute at a time and do not turn pink or red. This year I have been 3 times and all three times i ge pin pricks in my legs after about 3 - 4 minutes.  I am staying in currently 8 minutes.  The even twitch a little.  The twitching stops when I get out but the pricks continue for maybe up to 1/2 an hour.  Any ideas?  Tanning relaxes me so much I hate not being able to go but I dread it now instead of look forward to it because of the pin pricks.

[drswimsuit]

Yes, and a couple of more things to be aware of:  If you have ever had a bad sunburn between your breasts then you will be suseptible to rashes in that area. After tanning, if at all possible, make sure that you take off your bra, put on a clean all cotton tshirt that will allow your skin to breathe. I agree whole-heartedly with the post about not putting lotion on the affected area. Powder/cornstarch is the best.

Don't rub or scratch the area or it will get worse. You could develope a secondary skin infection. Use rubbing alcohol to clean and dry the area, then put non fragranced powder on it. Heat Rash is the likely answer here.

Fungal rashes are easy to identify, they have blotchy patches with have a reddish turning to dark brown color and you will need to have a fungal cream for that. Not sure if the grapefruit juice is an answer there.

Scabies, if you have them, are more like tiny little red water blisters and appear between the fingers on the top of your hand. They are highly contageous.

Many people go to tanning beds because they have skin problems like eczema so always make sure your tanning staff know that you like to have your bed cleaned thoroughly before you get in.

Sweating is natural. I would not use antipersperents under the breasts, particularly any with parabens in them. (see below for parabens)

I'm not sure about bronzers and if they can enhance heat rash.

One very IMPORTANT thing to remember/watch for: check all of your bathroom lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, wetwipes and do not buy anything that has parabens in them. Parabens are proven to cause cancer and are used as a preservative in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners etc especially in the fruity kinds of lotions. Look up parabens online and throw away everything in the bathroom/cosmetics etc that have parabens in them. It's going to be expensive when you realize that toothpaste, bar soaps, wetwipes etc all seem to have those ingredients. A friend of mine was in tears when he told me to throw away all of my paraben products because his wife was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Don't take any chances. Parabens collect in the breast tissue.

I am a tanner at salons. FYI and get heat rashes often when it's the first time I've tanned in a while. So it comes with the territory. I was not sweating between my breasts during the tan. It was the heating up afterwards with a top on that didn't breathe which caused the heat rash. If one is burned from the sun or from a tanning bed then the skin tightens up and forms a layer of skin that is closed and the sweat underneath that is trying to come out of the pores that are now blocked or closed, can cause blisters from the sweat trying to get out.

Also note that you can get planter's warts from tanning beds also. I had that painful experience and so am very cautious about having the bed properly cleaned before I get in it.

I recommend covering the area between the breasts while tanning the first few times, or reduce the time for the first five sessions until you have a sufficent tollerance developed in the affected area.

Some antibiotics also cause photosensitivity so make sure if you are a tanning salon member that you ask your pharmacist about any medication your are on that might cause photosensitivity. Most of the time the medication comes with a sticker on the bottle to warn people, but in some cases, you wouldn't know.