Coppertone

We had 2 people that tanned regularly. They stopped around the 1st of Dec. and I figured they were just busy with there business for the holiday's. I stopped into there store this morning and they told me that their docotor told them not to tan because of the heat with MS. I've been spending most of my free time this morning looking for info on this. Has anyone ever heard of this or seen an article or website?

Please let me know as they were extremely good customers

Sherin

Have you done a search in here? I know there was a discussion a while back.

TanningEmporium

Sun Exposure May Reduce MS Risk

Multiple Sclerosis Linked to Lack of UV Radiation, Vitamin D

By Cherie Berkley, MS
WebMD Medical News Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD
on Thursday, August 07, 2003

Aug. 7, 2003 -- A new study shows that lots of sun exposure -- particularly when you're young -- may lower your risk for multiple sclerosis.


No one is recommending that you let your kids bake in the sun for hours on end. But previous studies have shown that multiple sclerosis is more common in areas of the world with less sun exposure -- areas further from the equator. So in the furious search for a multiple sclerosis cause, researchers looked at the lack of sunlight as one possibility.


Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nerves that can cause a variety of problems, such as lack of muscle control and strength, blurry vision, trouble with balance, and numbness.


Researchers compared 136 people under age 60 with multiple sclerosis to nearly 300 people without it. The volunteers were all natives of Tasmania, an area that gets little sunlight in the winter and has a high prevalence of multiple sclerosis. The new study appears in the August issue of the British Medical Journal.


Researchers asked volunteers questions about their sun exposure, including how they protect themselves against the sun. They were also asked about their use of vitamin D supplements between ages 10 and 15 since previous studies have suggested that vitamin D may help protect against multiple sclerosis. In addition, vitamin D is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to the sun.


Higher sun exposure from ages 6 to 15 -- an average of two or three hours or more a day in the summer during weekends and holidays -- was associated with a 70% drop in multiple sclerosis risk.


Fairer-Skinned People at Higher Risk


Researchers also looked at skin damage and skin color. It turned out that fairer-skinned people were at a greater risk of developing multiple sclerosis earlier in life.


People with higher sun exposure between ages 6 and 15 and those with greater skin damage from the sun had a decreased risk.


The season of the year also played a role. Higher exposure in the winter seemed to decrease risk more than higher exposure in the summer. This may explain why the number of multiple sclerosis cases in Tasmania is high.


Researchers say the findings suggest there may be a link between multiple sclerosis and insufficient ultraviolet radiation or vitamin D -- or both.

TanningEmporium

THey may want to get another doctor.

jo

Unfortunately, excess heat can exasperate MS. Hot tubs are out too.
There was a spot about MS on the news about a week ago. Apparently May babies are more likely to get MS than November babies. Theory here is that Mom had a vitamin D deficiency during gestation - the defiency more likely to occur during winter months - so I guess that means it's a good idea to get some UV during pregnancy as well - just use cooler equipment.

bluesun

I agree with a second opinion. My understanding is that heat may (may not) increase the symptoms of MS. But the funny thing about MS is that it is different for everyone. Some people may wake up blind, some may experience major depression, some may experience bowel and bladder problems, and some may simply have a little numbness in one of their legs. It all depends on where the lesions develop on their spine or brain. That being said, no single case is the same so many MS patients may not be able to tolerate tanning but many people can tan and tolerate heat without any adverse reactions. Maybe suggest they ask their Dr. if they can start off light and build up to the maximum exposure times and see if they have an increase in their symptoms. Hope this helps.

Blue

Coppertone

Thanks for all your help. It's really weird around here as lately, I know of 7 people that have been recently diagnosised

bluesun

There are a lot more people out there with MS than most think and the majority people are women in their late twenties or early thirties. Maybe thats why this subject comes up periodically in regards to tanning. Good luck with your clients

Blue

ramcat

The newest interferon medications used to treat MS are given subcutaneously (just under the skin). Because of this, Tanning is not recommended as UV effects the drug.http://www.msfacts.org/info/info_treatment.html