Jordanian dermatologists warn of the dangers of tanning in the midst of a heat spell in the Kingdom

Many people aren't aware of the dangers of sun tanning; therefore they should avoid it throughout the summer. The Jordan Times spoke with dermatologists who confirmed that sunbed tanning, as well as other methods of getting a tan, is harmful to the skin and poses several health hazards.

According to dermatologist Haneen Abu Hamid, tan lines are indicators of DNA damage to the skin, which might have harmful implications.

In addition to increasing the obvious indications of aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer, tanning weakens the immune system and compromises the body’s natural ability against cancerous cells, according to Abu Hamid, who spoke to The Jordan Times.

Premature aging and black patches form on the skin owing to the breakdown of good collagen and elastin caused by tanning in the sun or in a sunbed, as per Abu Hamid, a dermatologist.

"Most individuals don't realize that a change in color of the skin is a symptom of injury." Sunburned skin becomes itchy and peels because white blood cells assault and eliminate damaged skin cells to help keep the body healthy.

Another doctor, Mohammad Hijazi, cautioned against prolonged exposure to sunshine or UV radiation in tanning beds.

According to the Jordan Times, "every time the person tans, the harm mounts up and causes more genetic changes, and increased hazards."

Tanned mattresses are not a safe substitute to sunshine, according to Hijazi, who claims that they increase the risk of skin malignancies.

Vitamin D does not come from sunbathing, and this is a big misunderstanding. He went on to say, "Food and pills are the safest ways to get enough vitamin D each day."

The harm that direct sunlight does to youngsters was also highlighted by Hijazi. There are a lot of individuals who take their children swimming and don't give a second thought to their exposure to sunlight, which is a tremendous error. To protect their skin, children should only swim in full-coverage swimsuits while accompanied by an adult.

A corticosteroid cream should be applied in the event of severe sunburns, according to Hijazi, a dermatologist who specializes in dermatology.

There are products on the market that may give people a fake tan by spraying or applying them like a cream. In terms of safety, they are really a good alternative to sun or bed tanning," he said.

It's not uncommon for Amman-based emergency care doctor Anas Dawoud to see a variety of sunburned patients of all ages on a regular basis.

In addition to persons with sensitive skin who have an allergic response after spending too much time in the sun, "we see a lot of patients who have first-degree burns after they've tanned," Dawoud said.

Around 20% of the world's population may be allergic to sunlight, but most people aren't aware of it, says Dawoud.

Skin cells as well as the skin's inner layer can be damaged and become inflamed in certain people, causing them to acquire painful, puffy, and red rashes.

According to the doctor, many patients present with symptoms of heatstroke, including dizziness, nausea, and a rapid rise in body temperature. The dangers of prolonged sun exposure are often underestimated, he said. "There are some persons who spend in excess of 6 hours in direct sunlight," he said.

Dawoud emphasized the need of educating everyone about the dangers of tanning throughout the summer months.

Sunlight is useful, but only at specific times of day and for a short period of time. Otherwise, it might be more harmful to you than helpful, according to the researcher.

During the current heatwave, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) has issued warnings to residents about the dangers of prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Temperatures in Amman have gone past 35°C this week, according to the Meteorological Department (Indicator is measured), while the Dead Sea, Jordan Valley, and Aqaba all exceeded 40°C.