Teens addiction to tanning beds coined “Tanorexia”

By Katrina Geenevasen

To some girls, it’s a way to look beautiful. To others, it’s a way to relax. To doctor’s, it’s just plain stupidity.

Tanning has become an increasingly popular pastime of today’s youth. In fact,

“Tanorexia” is the term being used to describe teens’ addiction to tanning beds.

Many of these teens began using tanning beds at a young age, drastically increasing their chances of getting skin cancer.

According to the article in The Toronto Star, Kate de Gruchy has been using tanning beds since she was 15. She still uses them twice a week for about 15 minutes.

In those 15 minutes, Kate says she can relax, and feel warm.

Researches are beginning to think it is easy to become addicted the relaxed state tanning beds bring on. Hence, the term Tanorexia.

“When ultraviolet light hits skin, it somehow signals the brain to feel good, to feel relaxed. Some people have theorized, me among them, that it’s an endorphin hit,” says Dr. Sam Feldman, who teaches dermatology, pathology and health sciences at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Frequent tanners claim “blissfully warm few moments of solitude” as their reason for frying their skin in tanning beds. However, according to Feldman, it’s not the heat, or being alone. In fact, it’s the ultraviolet light in combination with these other factors that makes them feel good…that makes them addicted.

The Canadian Dermatology Association recently began a new campaign called Indoor Tanning is Out. Its goal is to have tanning beds banned for those under 18.

The ad explores the various reasons why young women should stay away from tanning beds. Many of these girls think tanning makes them look “good”. In fact, it causes age spots and premature aging.

This only makes them look old.

Then there is melanoma. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

According to the article, de Gruchy has not seen enough evidence to make her quit tanning. She says the studies “suggest” but they are not very specific.

Is this young lady brushing aside the fact that a Canadian dies every seven hours of skin cancer?

Many young girls are under the false notion that they can’t get cancer. Somehow, they are magically immune to it. How long will it take for them to recognize cancer does not discriminate?

“There are younger women who are being diagnosed with melanoma who have been going to tanning beds,” says Dr. Cheryl Rosen, national director of CDA’s Sun Awareness Program. Rosen further notes the younger a person starts, the higher her risk of getting cancer.

So how effective will the Indoor Tanning is Out Campaign be? Will young girls recognize the dangers associated with tanning, or will they simply remain naïve to the danger they are posing themselves with?

Really, consider the options. Pale skin, or chemotherapy?

The decision should be easy.