Here's Why Indoor Tanning Can Cause Immediate Injuries

Despite previous warnings, many still look to indoor tanning for a bronzed look. Yet skin cancer and even eye issues can result from too much time in the sun or excessive indoor tanning. Now, recent findings published in the JAMA International examine how indoor tanning can lead to more immediate problems than previously believed.

For the study, researchers found that around 1,957 indoor tanners landed in the U.S. emergency room in 2012 alone, due to issues with their skin, fainting or other related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Though previous findings have shown that the number of injuries fell within the last decade, immediate injuries related to indoor tanning are not as easily recognized.

The good news is that such injuries fell from 6,487 in 2003, according to a recently published report in the journal Medicine. The report is the first nationally representative look at immediate injuries related to indoor tanning.

"We've seen several studies showing indoor tanning increases the risk of skin cancer, both melanoma and non-melanoma," said CDC researcher Gery Guy, via USA Today. "We're looking at more acute injuries."
Researchers used data from 66 hospital emergency departments."

Statistics show that millions of Americans use indoor tanning devices each year. However many young adults and teen girls are more likely to use them, with some starting as early as12th grade.

Burns that may be severe enough to require ER help are oftentimes caused by overexposure of UV radiation. Furthermore, manufacturers may be required to install timers to help limit exposure. Unfortunately, study results show that some patients have even fallen asleep while tanning.

Along with immediate injuries, previous studies have shown how indoor tanning is oftentimes linked to the deadliest types of skin cancer.

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