Many Texans are already skeptical of indoor tanning, which many doctors say carries similar risk to tanning under natural sunlight. But while many people are aware of the increased risk of skin cancer, fewer realize that tanning beds can also cause serious burns.
About 3,200 people nationwide need emergency room care after suffering serious burns during an indoor tanning session, according to a recent article from WebMD. First- and second-degree burns are most common, although some serious injuries have occurred when tanning bed users have fainted after a session of tanning. Experienced Texas personal injury lawyers recommend that anyone who uses an indoor tanning bed follow its instructions carefully and seek help immediately if injuries occur.
In several burn injury cases, the injured person reported that he or she fell asleep in the tanning bed. Although tanning beds are required by law to have working timers that prevent overexposure, people who were burned after staying in a bed too long may have been using a tanning bed with a broken or disabled timer.
Eye injuries also occurred in many people who used tanning beds, especially those who suffered from overexposure. Just as the UV radiation in the beds can cause burns and irritation to skin, it can also cause burns, irritation, and redness to the eyes.
It’s tempting to schedule a few tanning sessions during a Texas winter, especially if the shorter days are affecting your mood as well as your skin tone. When rules and regulations aren’t followed, however, serious harm can result – making it worthwhile to check up on a tanning salon or read your tanning bed’s manual carefully before you climb in.