Do my medical conditions prevent me from using a sun bed?

The only problem that could be a concern is that you might be at risk of some postural hypotension as you stand up after your session. ...



I have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for over 20 years.

I also developed angina two years ago, and last year was diagnosed with diabetes.

With all these problems, I'm understandably quite cautious with my health.

Is there any reason why I should not use a sunbed?


There is absolute no reason why you should not use a sun bed.



Postural hypotension is a temporary drop in blood pressure just after you sit or stand up quickly. This can make you feel faint or dizzy.

Usually, people can regulate their blood pressure as they move around. However, the heat of a sun bed can increased the flow of blood through the skin, diverting blood from the main vessels and reducing the pressure in them.

Your tendency to do this might be increased by several of the medications that you take.


The best advice would be to try minimum exposure, particularly at first, to see how you feel.

Take it easy after your session and get up in stages. If during the treatment you feel at all unwell, discontinue immediately.

However, you should also ask yourself why you want to go on a sunbed in the first place.

There is now a great deal of consistent evidence of the potential harm that exposure to UV radiation can cause to the skin – including skin cancer and premature wrinkling – and a tan is no indicator of good health.

In fact, it shows the skin has been damaged.

So, many doctors now recommend avoiding sunbeds and tanning salons altogether.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

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