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. The risk of skin cancer increases each time your skin is exposed to UV radiation. Most skin cancers are treatable, but can be life threatening if not treated early. These can occur both on the skin and the eyes and can be minor to severe. 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. Seek professional medical attention right away for serious injuries such as severe burns, eye burns, and allergic reactions. Get a checkup if you see any unusual lesion or sore on your skin or a change in a mole.