Tanning Beds or UV Light and Dermographism

by Vicki
(Detroit, Mi )

I'm only 19 years old but have had dermographism for about 5 to 6 years now. As anyone with this lovley skin issue knows, it can get quite annoying. I do have a question about it. Earlier this year, I started to tan in the tanning beds. During those few months that I have tanned, my hives would never occur. Recently, after I have quit tanning, my symptoms have come back and the hives come out everyday. Does tanning/uv rays help heal dermographism? Or was it just a coincidence?

There are no scientific studies showing that uv light therapy or tanning whether outside or in a tanning bed helps dermatographism. However, that does not mean that it may not help. I have also noticed a similar effect with my dermatographism. In the summer, I tan quite a bit and do not experience the dermographism symptoms. There may be other factors at play such as higher humidity in the summer and therefore skin that is less dry, but I think there may be some real benefit. Of course with uv exposure, skin cancer becomes a concern and so any tanning should be done in moderation.

Information on tanning bed safety can be found here. Other posts from previous readers have mentioned suntanning and dermographism as well. An example is on this page. Another post is on this page.