Tanning Bed Rash on Buttocks: Causes and Effective Treatment Solutions

What is Tanning Bed Rash?

A tanning bed rash is a common side effect of using tanning beds, characterised by inflamed, itchy bumps on the skin.

A tanning bed rash can occur within a few hours or days after exposure to UV light from tanning beds.

The rash can be bumpy, red, and itchy, lasting a few days after your tanning session.

Tanning bed rash is an immune system response to UV radiation, which can suppress the immune system and affect skin health.

Tanning can also cause a heat rash, prickly heat, or sweat rash known as Miliaria. This skin condition is caused by blocked sweat ducts when the sweat is trapped under the skin.

Key Aspects of Tanning Bed Rash

This table highlights the causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with tanning bed rash.

Aspect	Details
Definition	A skin reaction from UV exposure causing inflamed, itchy bumps.
Common Causes	Dry skin, excessive UV exposure, allergic reactions to lotions, or unclean tanning beds.
Risk Factors	Sensitive skin, genetic predisposition, certain medications, or sweat retention.
Symptoms	Red or white itchy bumps, inflammation, and skin irritation within hours or days of tanning.

Causes and Risk Factors

A tanning bed rash can have various causes and risk factors from indoor tanning.

• The leading cause of a tanning bed rash is dry skin. If you do not regularly moisturise or use a tanning lotion with your tanning session, the UV rays naturally dry out your skin and dehydrate the top layer.
• Too much UV exposure.
• Allergic reaction to tanning lotions
• Tanning beds not being cleaned in between sessions can cause a tanning bed rash from leftover product residue and sweat.
• Allergic reactions are caused by the skin's sensitivity to the chemicals in indoor tanning bed cleaning products.
• Genetic factors and certain medications.
• Using tanning beds can also cause skin damage, including bed rash, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Symptoms and Identification

You can identify the symptoms of a tanning bed rash within a few hours or within a few days of your tanning session.

Common visual symptoms of a tanning bed rash include raised white or red bumps on inflamed skin. The rash will also have itchy bumps that can be uncomfortable and irritating.

Tanning bed rash symptoms can be treated with at-home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Tanning Bed Rash This table outlines at-home remedies and medical treatments for managing tanning bed rash.

Treatment	Details
Cool Compress	Apply a cold compress with water, chamomile tea, milk, or baking soda to reduce irritation.
Aloe Vera	Use pure aloe vera gel to hydrate and soothe inflamed skin.
Anti-Itch Creams	Apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching and redness.
Avoid UV Exposure	Refrain from tanning or sun exposure while the rash heals.
Moisturise	Hydrate skin with moisturisers containing Aloe Vera or coconut oil.

Home Remedies

• Apply cold water or cool compresses soaked in distilled or tap water, diluted chamomile green tea, milk, or baking soda to the affected area.
• Use natural soothing agents like aloe vera gel, cucumber, or coconut oil to combat irritation and promote healing.
• Apply anti-itch creams like hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or other soothing agents to reduce itching and inflammation.

Seeking Medical Attention

• You should contact a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a tanning bed rash, including inflamed, raised bumps and itchiness.
• You should also contact a healthcare provider if you are concerned about your rash and unsure how to treat it.
• A healthcare provider can provide guidance on how to treat a tanning bed rash and recommend at-home remedies or over-the-counter medications.

Preventing Tanning Bed Rash

Preventing Tanning Bed Rash This table provides tips to reduce the risk of tanning bed rash and maintain healthy skin.

Prevention Tip	Details
Use Clean Tanning Beds	Ensure beds are thoroughly cleaned between sessions to remove product residue and sweat.
Apply Moisturiser	Hydrate skin before and after tanning to reduce dryness and irritation.
Limit UV Exposure	Reduce tanning time and frequency to avoid excessive UV exposure.
Opt for Stand-Up Beds	Stand-up beds are more hygienic and reduce sweat buildup compared to lay-down beds.
Avoid Scratching	Refrain from scratching rashes to prevent infection and further irritation.

 

To prevent a tanning bed rash, you can avoid using tanning beds altogether, although if this is not something you wish to do, we recommend using a stand-up tanning bed instead.

Stand-up tanning beds are known to be a more hygienic option for tanning in a tanning salon, as the user is not directly touching the bed acrylic/surface. Stand-up tanning beds also reduce the risk of prickly heat, as you do not sweat as much as you would on a lay-down tanning bed.

If you use a tanning bed, take steps to lower your risk of a rash, including using a tanning product containing SPF and avoiding excessive UV exposure.

Avoid scratching the skin to prevent infection and further irritation, as irritating and uncomfortable as the rash may be.

Skin Cancer Risk

Unfortunately, with the use of tanning beds comes the risk of skin damage and also a high risk of skin cancer (Cancer Research UK).

Even if you do not burn or develop a tanning bed rash, tanning beds increase the risks of skin cancer.

To minimise those risks, avoid using tanning beds and opt for a self-tanner instead. If this is not an option, reduce your tanning session times and monitor your skin's health regularly.

Reduce sun exposure and ensure that you use a broad-spectrum sun cream every time you are out in the sun. Opt for a product with a high SPF that protects your skin.

Long-term Effects

• Repeated UV exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, even if the rash is not severe.
• Tanning bed use can cause skin damage, including premature aging and wrinkles.
• Avoid tanning beds to reduce the risk of long-term skin damage and cancer.
• Opt for a self-tanner to achieve a golden glow while keeping your skin healthy.

Conclusion

Tanning bed rash is a common side effect of tanning beds, but it can be treated with at-home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

Opt for products that contain Aloe vera, which will soothe the skin and keep the skin hydrated.

Avoiding tanning beds is the best way to prevent tanning bed rash and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

If you experience symptoms of a tanning bed rash, seek medical attention and take steps to prevent further irritation.