Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Tanning Salon and Cancer Risk
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Tanning Salon and Cancer Risk
by grump123, Aug 11, 2007 07:57PM
Hi.
I have been tanning in tanning salon for the past two years. I use the high pressure tanning booth. I began by using them once or twice a week for the first year then once a week to once every two weeks over the last year. I had never tanned prior to using the salon two years ago. I am moderately fair skinned. I have sinced stopped using the beds and gone to spray on tanning because of the risks i have read on skin cancer and tanning beds. What are my chances of getting cancer from the exposure i have had over the last two years? I am 32 years old. should i go start seeing a dermatoligist? What are your recommendations. Thank you for your time.
I have been tanning in tanning salon for the past two years. I use the high pressure tanning booth. I began by using them once or twice a week for the first year then once a week to once every two weeks over the last year. I had never tanned prior to using the salon two years ago. I am moderately fair skinned. I have sinced stopped using the beds and gone to spray on tanning because of the risks i have read on skin cancer and tanning beds. What are my chances of getting cancer from the exposure i have had over the last two years? I am 32 years old. should i go start seeing a dermatoligist? What are your recommendations. Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 13, 2007 08:39PM
, Aug 13, 2007 08:39PM
To: grump123
It's hard to measure your risk, since risk depends on lots of things besides tanning booths--heredity, sun exposure as a child, skin type, and so forth. I think you've done yourself a service by giving up tanning for the artificial kind. Your best bet is to see a dermatologist to see where you stand. It might be a good idea to get your skin checked with some regularity after that, though the skin doctor can tell you whether that would be needed every year or not.
Take care. Don't grump.
Dr. Rockoff
Take care. Don't grump.
Dr. Rockoff
