While skin and eye burns are less likely to occur with UVA exposure than with sunlight and UVB sunlamps, recent animal studies indicate that UVA radiation in high dosages may increase your chances of developing skin cancer, or cause premature skin aging. That's not all. Other recent animal studies also suggest that you may be more likely to get skin cancer if you tan in the sun AND with sunlamps than if you are exposed to the sun only. Most skin cancers are treatable, though they can be life threatening if not treated early. Your body may react as if you had an allergic reaction.
Symptoms are severe skin burn, itching and scaly skin and rash.
According to some skin specialists, skin that has a dry, wrinkled, leathery appearance in middle age can result from UV exposure that took place before the age of 20. In fact, some evidence suggests that exposure before age 20 causes more long term damage than exposure at later ages. Generally speaking, individuals who have red or blond hair and blue eyes, are fair-skinned, have freckles and sunburn easily are at highest risk for skin damage. You should never expose yourself to sunlamp radiation if your skin is Type 1 in the chart below. Wear protective clothing consisting of a broad-brimmed hat and a long sleeved shirt or blouse when sun exposure is unavoidable.