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Tanorexia: The psychodermatology of compulsive tanning
Belma Türsen1, Gamze Toğaç2, George Kroumpouzos3
1Department of Medical Services and Techniques, School of Health Sciences, Toros University, Mersin, Türkiye.
Clinics in Dermatology
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Tanorexia, or tanning addiction, is a compulsive behavior involving UV-seeking despite health risks. It
Area of Science:
- Psychodermatology
- Behavioral Addiction
- Public Health
Background:
- Tanorexia involves compulsive ultraviolet (UV) seeking, often via indoor tanning.
- It's increasingly viewed as a biopsychosocial phenomenon with neurobiological underpinnings.
- Excessive tanning shares features with substance-use and behavioral addictive disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the etiology, clinical manifestations, and dermatologic consequences of tanorexia.
- To emphasize its relevance to dermatologic practice and public health.
- To discuss screening and management strategies for compulsive tanning.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tanorexia, UV exposure, and addiction.
- Analysis of psychodermatologic and biopsychosocial factors.
- Evaluation of screening tools (mDSM, mCAGE, SITAD, BAITS).
Main Results:
- Indoor tanning devices are carcinogenic, increasing melanoma risk.
- Compulsive tanning can be a marker for psychological vulnerability.
- Screening tools can identify at-risk individuals for intervention.
Conclusions:
- Tanorexia requires dermatologic attention beyond skin cancer risk.
- It necessitates addressing underlying psychological vulnerabilities.
- Public health strategies should focus on prevention and early identification.
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