Photosensitizing Reactions and "White Spots"
Historically, the media has issued reports and articles regarding the indoor tanning industry. Many of these reports seem to focus on the negatives rather than the positives of our industry. Among the potential negatives being reported are UV interactions with photosensitizing medications. It is not uncommon to see reports claiming possible hazards of indoor tanning are receiving an adverse reaction while tanning or that some people on photosensitizing medications are actually being permitted to tan indoors.
UV light or energy has the ability to invoke certain reactions with the skin and cosmetic tanning is certainly one of them. However, there are also some reactions that may occur with exposure to UV, indoor or outdoor. If you have been in the indoor tanning industry for any length of time, you probably are aware that the list of medications that may cause a photosensitizing reaction has grown dramatically over the years. Everyone that participates in our industry must be aware of the potential implications of these types medications with UV. Individuals on these medications should consult with their medical professional prior to UV exposure, either indoors or outdoors.
Many of you may have watched a certain TV news story on indoor tanning within the last year. During the segment, a hidden camera revealed a salon operator advising a new tanner that it is "ok" to tan while on antibiotics and that personally he "got a much better tan"... This is ridiculous! No one in our industry should ever be making these types of claims. But it happens.
Perhaps you read the Wolff Words in a previous issue of this magazine regarding the importance of indoor tanning education. If everyone in our industry had accredited indoor tanning training, could you imagine how much more professional our industry could be? It certainly would affect the type of reports that we see in the media.
Where did these "white spots" come from?
In addition to photosensitizing medications, some tanners from time to time indicate that they have developed so called "white spots". White spots on the skin may occur due to a lack of pigmentation on a particular area of the skin. They may also be the result of a fungus that already exists on the skin but activated with UV light. Topical ointments prescribed from a health professional have been known to be successful in treating these types of fungus. In other cases, the white spots may be from pressure points. Pressure points generally are located on the shoulder blades and the area above the buttocks that may come into contact on a tanning bed. Lack of blood circulation and/or oxygen to these areas may inhibit the tanning process. Pressure points generally can be relived by periodic changes of position on the acrylic surface.
But how do you handle medically oriented types of cases? Every type of medical question should be directed to a medical professional. Do not make any health claims or even a suggestion! We live in a litigious society where the phrase "anyone can sue anybody for anything" is common. Think about the implications; you advise a 20-minute session to a tanner after that person has brought a potential medical situation to your attention. If this person suffers an erythema or sunburn after this session, it could stimulate a call or visit from legal counsel.
Wolff System Technology offers a booklet called FAQ which is an excellent reference source for many types of questions. In fact, we received a recent call to our office from a salon owner who wanted an answer to the "white spot" scenario.
Our suggestion to obtain a copy of this booklet was met with the reply, "I already have the Wolff System FAQ booklet, but I want to know specifically what type of ointment to use." Of course no recommendation was made from our office.
Remember, unless you are a medical professional, no medical suggestions! Tanning clients (old and new) consistently should be screened for all medications and other health related issues. These situations should also be documented on their client card or database. Remember to include any release or correspondence from their physician.
If there is a specific topic that you would like to see reviewed or comments regarding the current one e-mail me at jschuster@wolffsys.com. I look forward to your comments.
Stay tan!
Joe Schuster
