Tanning, protection against sunburn and vitamin D formation with a UV-A 'sun-bed'

There are many types of sun-beds, sun-benches and sun-panels containing fluorescent tubes which, because of their predominantly UV-A emission, are advertised to the public as a means of obtaining a tan without sunburn. This study reports the effects of a sun-bed on skin colour, on the protection afforded against sunburn, and on vitamin D formation. Side-effects are also recorded. It was shown that the sun-bed emits mainly UV-A but very little UV-B and some tanning occurred in most subjects. However, no correlation was observed between the subjects' stated ability to tan and the degree of pigmentation achieved at the end of the treatment. Most subjects also had itching and erythema, and three had polymorphic light eruption. Although very little UV-B irradiation was present, a significant increase in serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D occurred, and possible explanations of this surprising finding are discussed. While the sun-bed proved popular with the subjects, only a modest tan was achieved and the incidence of side-effects appeared to limit the value of this type of appliance, especially with regard to the prevention of vitamin D deficiency.