A visit to a tanning salon may seem harmless to many people, but researchers say the risks may extend well beyond skin cancer.
According to a comprehensive review by scientists from the University of Manchester, artificial ultraviolet light can trigger serious skin reactions when it interacts with certain medicines, everyday products and even some foods.
The study was published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences.
For decades, health experts have warned that tanning beds increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers because they expose the body to ultraviolet radiation.
Despite these warnings, indoor tanning remains popular in many countries.
The new research suggests that cancer is not the only concern. In susceptible individuals, even a short tanning session may lead to painful skin problems that require medical treatment.
To better understand these risks, the researchers examined 34 scientific papers published through May 2025. They identified 67 cases in which recreational tanning bed use was linked with photosensitivity reactions. These reactions happen when ultraviolet light causes an unusually strong response after interacting with chemicals inside or on the body.
Some reactions involved painful blisters, severe rashes and swelling. In the most serious cases, patients needed hospital treatment or specialist care, while a small number even underwent surgery. Some reactions appeared almost immediately after UV exposure.
One important finding was the large number of medicines linked with these problems. Antibiotics, blood pressure medications, painkillers and medicated skin creams all appeared in reported cases. Many people may not realise that medicines can temporarily make skin much more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
The review also highlighted unexpected sources of risk. Natural substances found in celery, parsnips and lime juice were associated with skin reactions after tanning bed exposure. Although these foods are perfectly safe for most people, their plant chemicals can increase sensitivity to UV light in certain situations.
Indoor tanning also revealed hidden illnesses in some participants. Conditions such as pseudoporphyria and solar urticaria first became obvious after tanning bed use. Researchers additionally found evidence that ultraviolet exposure may worsen lupus, an autoimmune disease already known to be affected by sunlight.
Young women accounted for most published cases, probably because they are among the most frequent users of tanning beds. However, the researchers stress that the risk is not limited to one age group or sex. Anyone with certain medicines, medical conditions or natural sensitivity could potentially develop these reactions.
Professor Lesley Rhodes said consumers and tanning bed operators both need better information about these lesser-known dangers. She believes people should understand possible interactions before exposing themselves to artificial ultraviolet radiation.
Overall, the review reinforces existing advice that indoor tanning carries important health risks. While severe photosensitivity reactions are uncommon, they can be unpredictable and occasionally serious. Avoiding tanning beds removes not only the known cancer risk but also the possibility of these unexpected reactions.
If you care about skin health, please read studies about top signs of diabetic skin disease, and Mediterranean diet could help lower the skin cancer risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies about eating fish linked to higher risk of skin cancer, and results showing how to combat the effects of aging on your skin.
