The "Tanning Responsibly? Part 2" Story

It was an ordinary day. Grabbed my trash cans and headed over to the mailbox for the mail. Hey, my AARP Magazine arrived. You know, they have some pretty informative stories in their mag. Especially for people my age; which would be ...... in my prime! One that interested me the most this month was related to tanning. Since I had just posted a story about my visit to my dermatologist, I felt it would help some of you to know what was in the story I read. The story was titled "When the Sun Makes You Sick." Seems there are three conditions linked to tanning or sun exposure that can seriously damage older skin, or skin in your prime years. They are: Drug induced sun sensitivity (phototoxicity), Photoallergy, Sun-Induced Eczema. Photoallergy is rare and usually occurs when a chemical on you skin, such as aftershave or perfume is exposed to the sun and your immune system goes haywire. Sun-Induced Eczema is also rare and happens gradually over time when sun exposure may alter your skin in such a way that the immune system no longer recognizes it as your own. It does occur in people who have tanned for years and years. The condition that seems to be the most common is Phototoxicity. It occurs most often when the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays interact with a medication that you are taking. It can cause an immediate reaction on your skin such as extreme darkening and even excess pain. Unbelievable amount of commom medications are on the list that was published in the story. Drugs such as most statins, diuretics, antibiotics, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, etc. Wow, I found simvastatin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, all drugs I take daily, were on the list. A few years ago, about a week before Carol and I made a visit to St. Martin, I had a bladder infection. Urologist gave me an antibiotic. I did tell him I was going to the beach, and he didn't say anything about using the drug. After a week in the sun, I started to turn really dark. I mean REALLY DARK! Like I was changing races. "You're really getting tan," Carol told me. Couldn't figure out why. Then she said, "Do you think it is from that new medicine you are taking?" Yep, right on the bottle it said do not go out in the sun. Now that would be Phototoxicity!! To avoid most of these sun related conditions, avoid the sun during peak hours (10 AM - 3 PM), wear tightly woven clothing and use the correct sunscreen. One that will block the UVA and UVB rays. And, if you still want a healthy glow without being in the sun, eat broccoli! Or other fruits and vegetables, since they contain carotenoids that will give you a natural glow without the sun. And if you want, wear you bathing suit while eating them, to get the full beach experience while getting your natural glow.That's on my list to try! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.