Tanorexia: An Addiction to Ultraviolet Radiation
Samantha PeraltaPublic Health Community
What are UV Rays?
Ultraviolet Rays produced from the sun
2 types of UV rays that reach our skin: UVA UVB
Causes sunburn
Dangerous to skin
SUNBURN CANCERS
What Is Tanorexia?
• Used to describe tanning as an addictive behavior
• Excessive tanning behavior meets criteria for the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition)
Tanning Addiction
Why is tanning addictive?Linked to similar symptoms of substance use and
abuse
Problems With UV Tanning
Overexposure to UV rays causes:Premature
agingArray of
deadly skin cancers
Potentially blinding eye diseases
Melanoma
Most common type of cancer in the US
Over 2 million cases reported yearly
In 2012, the US reported:67,753 people diagnosed 9,251 died 1 American dies
from melanoma every hour
ABCD’s of Cancer Symptoms
Other Bodily Dangers
Skin:Basal Cell CarcinomaSquamous Cell Carcinoma
Eye:CataractsOcular Melanoma
Similarities to Substance DependencePeople continue using UV beds w/ the
knowledge of harmful risks
Disregard for health similar to substance abuse symptoms
Motivated by feelings of euphoria/emotional effects
Examples: cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine, etc.
Drug Abuse Symptoms
Tolerance The need to raise intensity of
beds for same effects as before
WithdrawalDiscomfort without having
tanned recently
Difficulty with controlTanning despite awareness of
consequences
UV “high”
Frequent tanners receive feelings of euphoria while using UV light
Motivated by direct emotional effect:RelaxationEnhanced moodStress relief Improved energy
Similar to nicotine addiction, tanners need daily dose to obtain same feelings
Tanning Among Adolescents
Becoming more prominent among younger crowds
Minors under 17 are banned from indoor tanning in N.J.Adolescents disregard this
14-year-olds are exposing themselves to intense UV rays
More Statistics
According to 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, indoor tanning is used by:13% All high school students20% High school girls27% Girls in the 12th grade31% Caucasian high school girls
Lack of Knowledge
Unaware of the addictive euphoric feelings
Tanning past the point of what is necessary
Ignoring the recommended duration/amount of time
Use that noggin, not the tanning
beds!
Negative Influences
Media has portrayed tanning in a positive lightTV stars are encouraging the use of tanning beds
Younger generations are influenced by this
Other Uses Of Tanning
Studies show those w/ disorders are more likely to be frequent tanners
They seek relief of psychological problems
Form a reliance on UV radiation
Facts About Indoor Tanning
Not safer than tanning outdoors
A base tan is not a safe tan
More likely to get sunburnt
Not a safe way to get Vitamin D
Remember, this can happen to you! (to slide 8)
How To Protect Your Body
DO NOT indoor tan
Use sunblock when outside
Do not allow yourself to burn
Find shade
Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect eyes
Self-Examination
Check skin from head to toe once a month
Use the ABCD’s to identify abnormal spots on skin
See your physician for skin cancer exams
Get checked!
Protect Your Body, It’s The Only One You Get!
References Ashrafioun, L., Boner, E.E. (2013). Tanning addiction and psychopathology: Further evaluation of
anxiety disorders and substance abuse. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 70(3), 473-480. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2013.10.057
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Indoor Tanning Is Not Safe. (August 27, 2015). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/indoor_tanning.htm
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin cancer statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/index.htm
Guy, G. P., Berkowitz, Z., Everett Jones, S., O’Malley Olsen, E., Miyamoto, J. N., Michael, S. L., & Saraiya, M. (2014). State indoor tanning laws and adolescent indoor tanning. American Journal Of Public Health, 104(4), e69-e74. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301850
Heckman, C.Y., Cohen-Filipic, J., Darlow, S., Kloss, J.D., Manne, S.L., & Munshi, T. (2014). Psychiatric symptoms of young adult female indoor tanners. Journal of Health and Promotion, 28(3), 168-174. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4278/ajhp.120912-QUAN-442
Skin Cancer Foundation. Preventing Skin Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines/preventing-skin-cancer
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Facts about skin cancer: New jersey. (2010). Retrieved from http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/nj_facts_web.pdf