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AIBU?

about sunbeds

169 replies

IceBeing · 14/05/2014 09:34

I probably am, because I just lost my DM to malignant melanoma. She likely got that because her own mother forced her as a child to wait out in the sun for her father to the point she was regularly blistered from sun burn.

But why on earth would anyone do this to themselves on purpose?

Why should people be allowed to make money from increasing people's chances of skin cancer?

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Gileswithachainsaw · 14/05/2014 09:37

Why should people be allowed to make money from increasing people's chances of getting diabetes or obesity related problems etc but fast food outlets and sweet shops will always be around.

It's not down to the shops to do anything but inform their clients how to be responsible and use it safely. If people choose to ignore that then that's not their fault.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 14/05/2014 09:37

And people know the risks which osbwhybtheybise multiple shops after being refused at another (for excessive use)

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Gileswithachainsaw · 14/05/2014 09:38

Oh ffs damn iPhone- which is why they use

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shakinstevenslovechild · 14/05/2014 09:39

I'm so sorry about your Mum, it's completely understandable that you feel the way you do Thanks

I have friend that goes for a session a month because it helps with a skin condition he has.

People make money from cigarettes, alcohol, junk food and millions of other things that have a negative impact on others, sunbeds are no worse than anything else imo.

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IceBeing · 14/05/2014 09:41

I completely reject the idea that there is similarity with food, fags or alcohol.

All of those actually affect the people using them in a way they feel is positive. This is not true of sunbeds.

IF you are so utterly devoid of sense that you genuinely feel better if your skin is artificially browned then use tanning lotion!

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Sparklingbrook · 14/05/2014 09:41

I don't know why anyone would use a sunbed.

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IceBeing · 14/05/2014 09:44

shakin in that case your friend is weighing up benefits against the dangers, which makes sense and presumably could be supplied by the NHS. Anyone doing it just because they want to should be prevented from being a danger to themselves.

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Gileswithachainsaw · 14/05/2014 09:46

I know people who use it as apparently it helps them feel better as they have SAD

(So they say)

It's choice though isn't it. I've only err used one myself once for three mins did nothing.

Lots of things cause lots of illnesses/diseases/problems. It's kinda like smoking if you think about it. Both can cause cancer both can kill. Bit no one will stop you buying hundreds of fags but tammg shops are meant to keep records and promote sensible usage aren't they? If your local one isn't then report it.

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Sparklingbrook · 14/05/2014 09:47

I think smoking is different in that it's an addiction as is overeating in some cases.

It's fairly easy to avoid sunbeds.

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whitepuddingsupper · 14/05/2014 09:48

I completely reject the idea that there is similarity with food, fags or alcohol.

All of those actually affect the people using them in a way they feel is positive. This is not true of sunbeds


I disagree, I used to use sunbeds as a daft teen/young adult and it is a nice feeling lying in the warmth and getting a nice glow, much nicer than stinky fake tan. There are a few sunbed shops in my town and I'm sometimes tempted to go in but knowing the risks now I wouldn't.

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BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 14/05/2014 09:48

I always give people a lecture when they use sunbeds.

So dangerous - get a bloody spray tan if you feel the need.

My FIL died from secondary cancer, primary cancer was skin cancer.

Like Shakin I have a friend who suffers from psoriasis and so ocassionally she goes to to hospital and has a course of treatment but they won't let her do it very often because of the extra risk.

However, some people do say sun beds are addictive. But no, I don't understand why in this day and age people still use them when there are so many alternatives. My mum died from Lung cancer (non smoker) and again I don't understand in this day and age with all the knowledge we have (and e cigs etc) why people carry on smoking.

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EatDessertFirst · 14/05/2014 09:49

I use sunbeds for a short period (3 minutes twice a week for about six weeks, maybe less) in the winter every year to help acne. The acne is nowhere near as bad in the summer due to there obviously being more sunlight. I started using UV treatment as a teenager as an alternative to more aggressive medications. I still don't completely understand how it works but it just does!

Some people do use them excessively and they will reap the 'rewards' when they get older. As PP say, its about using them responsibly.

So sorry about your mum Thanks

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IceBeing · 14/05/2014 09:49

fags contain drugs which affect your brain and make you feel better in the short term at the expense of your long term health.

You are choosing between good now and good later.

I don't smoke but at least I can see the point of smoking.

What is the point of needlessly excessively exposing your skin to UV radiation?

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TequilaMockingbirdy · 14/05/2014 09:49

People do benefit from the sunbeds. In fact it's been known to releave depression because if the rays or whatever. And people can become addicted to them.

That said, I won't ever use them again. My friend has skin cancer. He's doing quite a lot of work at the minute to raise awareness so you all might be seeing him soon.

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Only1scoop · 14/05/2014 09:49

Ice so sorry about your mum.

I must admit I'm so shocked that so many people still use them and I still see tanning shops popping up everywhere.

Scary Hmm

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Sparklingbrook · 14/05/2014 09:50

I don't really understand addiction to sunbeds. There are other ways to get a tan after all.

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TequilaMockingbirdy · 14/05/2014 09:50

And you're forgetting that people think they look good with a tan, that in itself gives people the boost

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Chippednailvarnish · 14/05/2014 09:50

All of those actually affect the people using them in a way they feel is positive. This is not true of sunbeds

The one thing that will help my acne is a few sessions on a sunbed and I don't tan using them. Whilst I understand your sentiment, you are being very shortsighted as to why people use them.

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IceBeing · 14/05/2014 09:51

white if you like lying in the warm then get an IR lamp.

If you like getting a 'glow' then see a therapist to deal with your MH issues. You appearance isn't actually more important than your health.

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Thurlow · 14/05/2014 09:51

I imagine that using a sunbed has the same positive effect for people who use them, though? They feel better for having a bit of a tan. It is the same reason people smoke when they could now use an e-cig, it is the same reason why people drink, do recreational drugs, do too much exercise etc.

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IceBeing · 14/05/2014 09:52

FFS fake tan exists right?

You don't have to risk cancer to look tanned?

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specialsubject · 14/05/2014 09:52

sorry for your loss.

sunbeds do have occasional medical use - so does heroin. But like heroin, to use them recreationally is insane.

so much ignorance about UV - yes, we all need a bit of it to make vitamin D but so many (here too!) think they can't get burnt if it isn't hot. And deliberate roasting yourself under the sun is equally daft - but still they do it.

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TequilaMockingbirdy · 14/05/2014 09:53

Some people can't wear fake tan. I can't. Which is why I have to cope with being pale all year round :)

You're simplifying why people use sunbeds an awful lot. Of course to us who have been affected by cancer, in particularly you, it seems obvious. But to others it isn't.

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Thurlow · 14/05/2014 09:53

I agree with in your principle because I'm happy being as pale as a bar of Dove soap, if slightly more pasty with it, and don't see the need for fake tans.

But overall YABU - therapy because you like to look tanned?

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Sparklingbrook · 14/05/2014 09:53

A tan is your body's attempt to protect itself from the damaging effect of UV rays

From the NHS website. Tans are not as healthy as people think....

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