Tanning may be habit-forming, survey says

Los Angeles Times

Sun worshipers often joke that they're junkies when it comes to catching rays, but a new study suggests there may really be something addictive about tanning.

The study's Texas-based researchers asked 145 randomly selected beachgoers at Galveston Island to answer questions adapted from two surveys typically used to screen for alcohol and substance dependence.

The surveys included such questions as, "Do you try to cut down on the time you spend in the sun, but find yourself still suntanning?" and "Have you ever missed any scheduled activity because you decided to go to the beach or tan?"

Depending on which of the two survey tools was used, between 26 percent and 53 percent of the beachgoers met the criteria for a substance-related disorder, albeit with regard to ultraviolet light and tanning, the authors found.

And it wasn't because the sunbathers were unaware of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer.

"Most of the people on the beach know that sunlight causes skin cancer - just like smokers know smoking causes lung disease and lung cancer. But they just can't stop," said senior author Dr. Richard F. Wagner Jr., professor of dermatology at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. "There are a lot of similarities."

Those who had a sun habit said they craved the sun, sometimes thinking of suntanning first thing in the morning, and couldn't control the compulsion, even when they tried to cut back.

"It's taking over their life," Wagner said. "It's not that normal to be thinking about it first thing in the morning, or to be falling asleep at night thinking `I can't wait to wake up and get a tan.' "

One of the surveys was used to screen for abuse or dependence, and the other was the American Psychiatric Association's criteria for substance-related disorders. Both had been adapted and modified for ultraviolet light tanning rather than drugs or alcohol.

One explanation for sunbathing's addictive properties may be found in earlier reports that sun exposure can generate endogenous endorphins, or "feel-good" substances, in the skin, Wagner said. He noted that studies on this have been contradictory but suggested individuals may vary in their responsiveness or even production of endorphins.