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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: SANJUANDUDE on January 18, 2012, 01:55:19 pm

Title: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: SANJUANDUDE on January 18, 2012, 01:55:19 pm
 :)  How many of you guys in here go tanning...???  I have heard good things and bad things about it.  On the up side, tanning supplies the body with plenty of vitamin D.  Even going once a week is plenty.  I go two times per week.  On the not so great end of the spectrum, tanning can increase your chance of developing skin cancer.  I an checked about one time per year for skin cancer, and have had some benign lesions removed.  I am due again sometime next month.  Does anyone else in here go tanning...??  C'mon, even if we know we're not supposed to.

http://timehasshownme.com

Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: buginme2 on January 18, 2012, 04:59:56 pm
Me thinks one just needs to see a picture of George Hamilton to get an opinion of tanning beds.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 18, 2012, 05:30:39 pm
I tan weekly during the winter and sunbathe constantly during the summer.  I questioned my ID doctor who issued the standard warnings.  That being said, not sure I'd continue if I ever had lessions removed. 

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: skeebo1969 on January 18, 2012, 05:31:51 pm


  Personally, I think the pasty white look is about to make a comeback....
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: leatherman on January 18, 2012, 05:51:02 pm
I tan weekly during the winter and sunbathe constantly during the summer.  I questioned my ID doctor who issued the standard warnings.  That being said, not sure I'd continue if I ever had lessions removed. 
i totally agree with my buddy Wolfie!  ;)

I haven't been to a tanning bed in a while though. I did while I lived in Ohio (even back when I had the aids) - not just to stay tanned; but to stay warm! LOL

here in SC, it's been so mild this winter, that I've actually been able to get outside every 4 to 5 days and stay out soaking up the sun for several hrs. Although my tan isn't as good as it was this summer, I still have a very nice tan line showing off my glow-in-the-dark white ass. LOL
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 18, 2012, 06:02:09 pm
I signed my next agreement that starts in February.  Unlimited tanning for 3 months for $300. 

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: newt on January 18, 2012, 06:05:09 pm
I go up me patch of earth and dig, not only is it good for me back and arms I get brown regardless of cloud cover. Why are you tanning if I you have had some skin lesions removed? It's asking for trouble. Get a bike and cycle in a small top. This also firms yer bum, which is essential for any ageing bod.

When I was young I was a Goth (eg Emo with an umbrella) and pale as a vampire, now I've had sex I dig and am brown (in a farmer tan kind of way).

- matt

Now playing: Tina C (and I don't mean combined in a syringe, it's a radio musical comedy slot on the BBC)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: mecch on January 18, 2012, 06:06:03 pm
You can get Vit D in a pill or in your diet.
You have damage in your skin from the "sun" and you want the happy go lucky OK to continue the abuse?
Find another way to relax or another way to make yourself attractive or whatever is attracting you to the tanning.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 18, 2012, 06:07:26 pm
My skin is alabaster like Tilda Swinton.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: SANJUANDUDE on January 18, 2012, 07:23:18 pm
I only go once per week, at the most, twice in ten days.  I know some people who go five or six days per week.  Ouch!!!!

http://timehasshownme.com
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 18, 2012, 07:45:55 pm
NEVER, I was born with a natural tan @ birth, hello I'm Black & Italian and my name is Dennis, nice to meet ya  ;)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: tednlou2 on January 19, 2012, 02:26:36 am
I use to go tanning about once a month in the winter.  And, it always made me feel great.  I really need to go.  I'm Casper.  And, I could use to pep it gives.  I haven't been since last winter. 

I've read vit-d needs those UV rays to activate it and that foods and supplements just won't work as well without some sunlight, or fake.  There has to be something to that, because most people say they feel so much better after getting sun.  And, we know about SAD.

Now, if I had skin problems, I would just be careful.   

Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 19, 2012, 02:29:46 am
What's wrong with a white person being... uh, white?
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: spacebarsux on January 19, 2012, 03:55:43 am
I got a nice tan in my mum's tummy around 29 years ago.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Hellraiser on January 19, 2012, 09:45:20 pm
I don't think I've had a tan since like age 8
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: bocker3 on January 19, 2012, 10:08:34 pm
I've been tan once in my life.  It was 1991 and I was in the desert of Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.  Even with 35 SPF, I was in the sun enough to get the arms, the neck and "v-neck" tan.  The rest of my life -- I've been white or red.  Red often as a child, now only when I forget my sunscreen (50 SPF now).
I've never understand the desire to sit in the sun in order to darken your skin -- I don't think it makes anyone look better.  Oh -- I live with a man who would go without sunscreen and turn brown as could be, but I nag him into using a 4 or 8 SPF (most days) and he only turns a light brown, he looks no sexier to me like that -- however I find his not having cancer to be a sexy.

Mike
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Rev. Moon on January 19, 2012, 11:03:04 pm
What's wrong with a white person being... uh, white?

I dunno... Ask him

(http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz42/livebythemoon/1e7f9073.jpg)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: tednlou2 on January 19, 2012, 11:21:21 pm
Moon, love that. 

Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Basquo on January 20, 2012, 08:10:38 am
I used to go to tanning beds back in the 80's and early 90's--it didn't take but a couple of sessions and I'd be dark for 6 months.

Then I was in an antique store one day and saw a bunch of modern ketchup bottles that had been aged to that lovely opaque lavender that happens after being in the sun for 50 years. When I asked the shopkeeper how that was possible, he explained that it was accomplished by putting them in a tanning bed for half a year.

That's when I stopped using tanning beds.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 20, 2012, 08:46:41 am
I used to go to tanning beds back in the 80's and early 90's--it didn't take but a couple of sessions and I'd be dark for 6 months.

Then I was in an antique store one day and saw a bunch of modern ketchup bottles that had been aged to that lovely opaque lavender that happens after being in the sun for 50 years. When I asked the shopkeeper how that was possible, he explained that it was accomplished by putting them in a tanning bed for half a year.

That's when I stopped using tanning beds.
Smart man  ;)  I never could understand the whole concept of why anyone wanted to get a tan, I always thought it was kinda silly & frivolous  :D
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 20, 2012, 09:04:38 am
Smart man  ;)  I never could understand the whole concept of why anyone wanted to get a tan, I always thought it was kinda silly & frivolous  :D

There are a lot of things people do that are considered silly and frivolous.  I think I look better with a bronzed appearance.  It might not be the case, but I enjoy it.

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 20, 2012, 09:19:08 am
There are a lot of things people do that are considered silly and frivolous.  I think I look better with a bronzed appearance.  It might not be the case, but I enjoy it.

Wolfie

When you get to be over 50 a lot of things will suddenly become silly &  frivolous to you, trust me on this, it will
 ;)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: leatherman on January 20, 2012, 11:36:04 am
I never could understand the whole concept of why anyone wanted to get a tan, I always thought it was kinda silly & frivolous  :D
When I lived in Ohio, tanning was a sure-fire way to get warm! Good god! when the snow can lie on the ground from Dec to the end of Mar with hardly any grass ever being seen and temps dropping to -20 with an average for a whole month in the teens, then 15-20 minutes in a tanning bed getting heated up clear into your bones is just about the best thing evah!

for myself, I saw it when I was tanning and I see it now spending a lot of time outside in the Spring and Summer in SC - I feel better - actually happier (less depressed) and "healthier" - when I am exposed to a lot of light (and the vitamin D probably).

plus, in general, as any mom that has ever told their child to put down a book or leave a video game and go outside, I think there's something about patsy white, anemic-looking people that isn't as attractive or healthy-looking as someone with a "healthy" glow and a little bit of color in their cheeks. ;)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 20, 2012, 12:18:24 pm
When I lived in Ohio, tanning was a sure-fire way to get warm! Good god! when the snow can lie on the ground from Dec to the end of Mar with hardly any grass ever being seen and temps dropping to -20 with an average for a whole month in the teens, then 15-20 minutes in a tanning bed getting heated up clear into your bones is just about the best thing evah!

for myself, I saw it when I was tanning and I see it now spending a lot of time outside in the Spring and Summer in SC - I feel better - actually happier (less depressed) and "healthier" - when I am exposed to a lot of light (and the vitamin D probably).

plus, in general, as any mom that has ever told their child to put down a book or leave a video game and go outside, I think there's something about patsy white, anemic-looking people that isn't as attractive or healthy-looking as someone with a "healthy" glow and a little bit of color in their cheeks. ;)

 ;D well like everything else, only in moderation, I don't want skin cancer, ( I live in the desert) and here in NM, an hour in the sun here is like 3 hours on a sunny beach, to each his own, I suppose, depends on what part of the country you live in  ;)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: SANJUANDUDE on January 21, 2012, 01:36:15 pm
When you get to be over 50 a lot of things will suddenly become silly &  frivolous to you, trust me on this, it will
 
Your right there!!!!!  I am 45 now and only go about once per week.  When I was in my twenties and the "tan" look was really in, jeez, I would go 4 or 5 times per week.   Not anymore.  Once maybe twice.

http://timehasshownme.com
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Matty the Damned on January 21, 2012, 01:40:18 pm
Vanity, vanity. All is vanity.

If you use a tanning bed you deserve to die of cancer.

MtD
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: spacebarsux on January 21, 2012, 02:16:10 pm
Vanity, vanity. All is vanity.

If you use a tanning bed you deserve to die of cancer.

MtD

But you live in the 'tanning bed' of the world, so you better be careful too mate.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Matty the Damned on January 21, 2012, 02:19:38 pm
But you live in the 'tanning bed' of the world, so you better be careful too mate.

Says the guy from India.  ::)  :P

I am acutely aware of what goes on down here in the Southern Hemisphere.

I am alabaster from my swan like neck to my shapely thighs.

MtD
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: spacebarsux on January 21, 2012, 02:22:26 pm
Says the guy from India.  ::)  :P


I have brown skin. :) Doesn't dark skin protect you from those harmful UV rays?! I thought it did somewhat.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Matty the Damned on January 21, 2012, 02:29:31 pm
I have brown skin. :) Doesn't dark skin protect you from those harmful UV rays?! I thought it did somewhat.

Well yeah.

That said, Australia like India is no country for a white fella.

But here we are.

You should see my thighs.  :D

MtD
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: spacebarsux on January 21, 2012, 02:34:24 pm

You should see my thighs.  :D

MtD

Hot?  ;)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Matty the Damned on January 21, 2012, 03:10:48 pm
Hot?  ;)

Yoghurt smooth, motherfucker.  :)

MtD
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Growler on January 21, 2012, 03:56:15 pm
I am alabaster from my swan like neck to my shapely thighs.

MtD
Sounds like you're a poofta mate. Next you'll be telling us you smoke taylor mades and you prefer Fosters to VB.

GROWLER (whose Grand Pop taught him to roll Champion Ruby's when he was 10)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Matty the Damned on January 21, 2012, 04:09:28 pm
Sounds like you're a poofta mate. Next you'll be telling us you smoke taylor mades and you prefer Fosters to VB.

GROWLER (whose Grand Pop taught him to roll Champion Ruby's when he was 10)

:)

Two things:

1. White Ox.

2. I hope it chokes you.

MtD
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Growler on January 21, 2012, 04:19:47 pm
:)

Two things:

1. White Ox.

2. I hope it chokes you.

MtD
I pulled my first White Ox Billy when I was 13...:)

GROWLER
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 22, 2012, 01:17:03 pm
Vanity, vanity. All is vanity.

If you use a tanning bed you deserve to die of cancer.

MtD

I realise that some people find your sense of humor amusing, but even for you, this seems over the top.  Perhaps it reminds of the days when it was preached that queers deserved to die from AIDS?

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: GSOgymrat on January 22, 2012, 02:06:47 pm
I don't use a tanning bed because I am afraid of melanoma and wrinkles. Back in my 20s one of my classmates noticed he had a mole on his back, was diagnosed with melanoma and was dead within 6 months. I admit I do love to swim in the ocean and then dry in the sun but at least I always wear sunscreen. I don't mind being white but I think farmer tan looks dorky.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Ann on January 22, 2012, 03:11:36 pm
I realise that some people find your sense of humor amusing, but even for you, this seems over the top.  Perhaps it reminds of the days when it was preached that queers deserved to die from AIDS?

Wolfie

Wolfie, the point of reporting a post is so you don't deal with it yourself. You waited a whole 4 minutes, four seconds before taking matters into your own hands. Give me a break. If you report, leave it to us to deal with.

Matty, you've upset a person or two with your black humour, once again. Cool it, ok? Thanks.

Ann
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 22, 2012, 03:13:10 pm
Back in the 90's I used to take annual trips to both San Juan and Miami during the winter months, so each week before I left I would make use of tanning beds so that I didn't show up looking like a pale New Yorker.

Can't say it did anything bad to me. However, this only went on over a span of maybe seven years. Before that period and afterwards I've maintained pale skin so as far as I know I don't have any skin cancer issues, though at some point I will go to a dermatologist for a proper evaluation now that I'm in my mid-40's.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 22, 2012, 11:11:19 pm
Wolfie, the point of reporting a post is so you don't deal with it yourself. You waited a whole 4 minutes, four seconds before taking matters into your own hands. Give me a break. If you report, leave it to us to deal with.

Matty, you've upset a person or two with your black humour, once again. Cool it, ok? Thanks.

Ann

Sorry.  I thought about making my first report and then decided against it.  Didn't realize I did it incorrectly.  And yet, I had more words written for my behavior than to the poster who made yet another comment that should be offensive to anyone that can read? 

It appears there are some dynamics going on behind the scenes that we peons aren't privy to as in my mind, this shouldn't have needed reported but instead, proactively addressed.

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: WillyWump on January 22, 2012, 11:27:04 pm
Sorry.  I thought about making my first report and then decided against it.  Didn't realize I did it incorrectly.  And yet, I had more words written for my behavior than to the poster who made yet another comment that should be offensive to anyone that can read?

 It appears there are some dynamics going on behind the scenes that we peons aren't privy to as in my mind, this shouldn't have needed reported but instead, proactively addressed.

Wolfie

LOL, Just take your spanking and move on. Arguing with Ann will get you nowhere. Trust me, ive tried it.

AS far as tanning, I prefer the Mystic Spray Tans.

-Will
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: numbersguy82 on January 22, 2012, 11:30:34 pm
I used to be a serial tanner back when I was diagnosed. I consulted my doc since I had read some articles touting the unsafe aspects of tanning to POZ individuals. She said she didn't believe there was any proof that tanning was any more dangerous to any one group of people, and in general she said tanning is just really unsafe for everyone. I noticed more moles popping up and I decided to give it a rest on the tanning. I'm now embrassing my inner whitey lol. I agree with the ones that said pale white is coming back in style. After all Robert Pattinson and his vampire character are making it kewl again to be pastey white.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: buginme2 on January 22, 2012, 11:38:34 pm

AS far as tanning, I prefer the Mystic Spray Tans.



The problem with spray tans is you end up smelling like chicken noodle soup for days
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 22, 2012, 11:39:26 pm

AS far as tanning, I prefer the Mystic Spray Tans.

-Will

Go's on nicely and washes off clean, w/ no risk for skin cancer  ;D  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 22, 2012, 11:40:54 pm
The problem with spray tans is you end up smelling like chicken noodle soup for days

BAHHHH ha haaa ha haa  ;D and maybe you just might get a date smelling like chicken  ;D
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: jkinatl2 on January 22, 2012, 11:48:31 pm
The problem with spray tans is you end up smelling like chicken noodle soup for days

Having had a friend get half his face cut off thanks to skin cancer, I'll take the soup.

Tanning, tobacco, pot, coke,booze. We choose our vices, hopefully with open eyes. But everything has a price. I don't think any of us leads a life totally without a vice or three. Doesn't make them less dangerous, of course.

JK

/almost 46 years of pasty living. No wrinkles.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: WillyWump on January 22, 2012, 11:58:15 pm
l Robert Pattinson and his vampire character are making it kewl again to be pastey white.

Excellent point. I too shall embrace my ghostly white blue blood complexion.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 22, 2012, 11:59:00 pm

It appears there are some dynamics going on behind the scenes that we peons aren't privy to as in my mind, this shouldn't have needed reported but instead, proactively addressed.

Wolfie

You mean like a nefarious cabal type situation?
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: tednlou2 on January 23, 2012, 01:02:01 am
I'm curious how many here have been to the dermy to have a check at least once?  Were you suspicious of something you saw, or just went for a screening?  Are there guidelines on how often one should be checked?  Do they check everywhere?

I will never forget the CBS News story of a soldier who had melanoma on his butt cheek.  It was dismissed as a wart, and he was actually never informed, even after one doc noted the cancer.  But, that gets into another topic that the story covers.  The original story made people aware that sun damage can happen through clothing.  And, he was hispanic and many believe darker-skinned people don't get skin cancer.  CBS News was there when he died.  I will never forget how he looked.  How many of us check out our own backsides?  I don't make a habit of taking a hand mirror and looking.

The way he looks is very disturbing.  Very disturbing.  I'm not posting it to sensationalize or to make any statement about tanning.  It just made me think how anyone could have something that goes unseen.  Even if you had a partner who is always with his/her face down there, I'm not sure they would know what to look for.  So, this has reminded me, again, to make an appt to be screened.   

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4890716n       
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: GSOgymrat on January 23, 2012, 01:19:56 am
I have my annual full physical tomorrow, which includes a complete skin assessment.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Hoover on January 23, 2012, 08:30:16 am
Growing up in south Texas in the 70s we spent the weekends at the beach and knew nothing about sun screen.
Now when I go to the dermatologist, they burn off MANY precancerous spots.
The first 8 or 9 spots do not hurt, but once they go past 30 it really starts to sting! Damn my skin of a redhead..... >:(
Now I live in the tropics and am happy to be death white.

Hoover
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: buginme2 on January 23, 2012, 11:33:57 am
I go to the dermatologist every year.   They do a complete exam, check all the nooks and crannies.  They also note every little spot or mole and chart it.  Then they compare them to your previous years exam to see if they change.  I had a suspicious mole removed from my back a few years ago.  They removed so much skin and so deep it needed stitches. 

Everyone should go to a dermatologist every year.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 23, 2012, 11:44:06 am
I've got a black mole on my Left-thigh in the back, I've had this for yrs. and my hubby Bob says it's the same size it was when he 1st met me, but to be safe, I should probably have it looked at.........any thoughts suggestions?
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 23, 2012, 01:53:58 pm
I've not been to a dermatologist in about a decade.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: buginme2 on January 23, 2012, 02:12:11 pm
I've got a black mole on my Left-thigh in the back, I've had this for yrs. and my hubby Bob says it's the same size it was when he 1st met me, but to be safe, I should probably have it looked at.........any thoughts suggestions?

This is a good guide to follow, taken from Mayo Clinic

Unusual moles that may indicate melanoma
Characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers follow the A-B-C-D-E guide developed by the American Academy of Dermatology:

A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders — characteristics of melanomas.
C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than about 1/4 inch (6 millimeters).
E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: WillyWump on January 23, 2012, 06:35:19 pm
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4890716n     

lord, I wasnt ready for that. terribly sad :-\

I have a couple spots I need to get looked at, Ill stop putting it off.

Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: J.R.E. on January 23, 2012, 07:58:03 pm


No tanning beds for me!!  The first signs of trouble for me were in the early 80's. Had plenty of basil cells, and squamous cells removed through the years. Fortunately, haven't had anything appear in the last two years or so. I had one squamous cell removed, that required 18 stitches.

I had to use sunscreen last weekend, when we went out.

I've been to a dermatologist more often than I've been to an HIV specialist.



Ray
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: spacebarsux on January 23, 2012, 11:59:34 pm
I go to the dermatologist every year.   They do a complete exam, check all the nooks and crannies.  They also note every little spot or mole and chart it.  Then they compare them to your previous years exam to see if they change.  I had a suspicious mole removed from my back a few years ago.  They removed so much skin and so deep it needed stitches. 

Everyone should go to a dermatologist every year.


Bug, is your yearly visit to the dermatologist because of HIV or just a general thing ?
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: buginme2 on January 24, 2012, 12:14:22 am

Bug, is your yearly visit to the dermatologist because of HIV or just a general thing ?

General thing, I grew up in southern California and am very fair skinned.  I have some sun damage.  Too many days at the beach  ;D
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 24, 2012, 08:08:26 am
By the time I was correctly diagnosed with crypto, I had lessions so severe that the SSD doctor immediately made me put on surgical gloves when I was sent there for an evaluation.  My hands were a bloody mess that left permanent scaring.

Not sure if those who met me in Seattle noticed and were just polite, but their presence bothers me.  So call it extreme vanity, but when I maintain a decent tan, the scars are less noticeable.

I've never been to a dermatologist and hopefully never will need to.  I just don't understand the attitudes of some concerning tanning, when I've read comments about their destructive lifestyles with illicit drug use.  I'm pretty sure which one causes the worst harm to our bodies.

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 24, 2012, 09:14:53 am

I've never been to a dermatologist and hopefully never will need to.  I just don't understand the attitudes of some concerning tanning, when I've read comments about their destructive lifestyles with illicit drug use.  I'm pretty sure which one causes the worst harm to our bodies.

Wolfie

Well Wolfmaster, I suppose that depends on your little hallowed sense of judgement now doesn't it? Getting a tan on means daily, or somewhat daily, commitment. As far as drug use goes, it depends on if it's recreational or the level of full-on addiction. As someone who does more than a mere sip of white zin on an almost daily level, are you really one to cast aspersions on those that find the casual monthly use of oh... say a hit of ecstasy, to be worse than daily tanning that leads to cancer or daily alcohol intake that stresses your liver when being on HAART involves this same body organ being in top working order? And it's a no-brainer that over exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer/melanoma.

Seriously girl, think harder next time. By the way, that's a sexy tank top you're sporting :)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: wolfter on January 24, 2012, 09:31:20 am
As someone who does more than a mere sip of white zin on an almost daily level
Seriously girl, think harder next time. By the way, that's a sexy tank top you're sporting :)

Maybe I need to change my persona a tad as I don't drink as often as I joke.  I would if I didn't understand the harm it can cause.  To date, I maintain great liver functions.  I did manage to overdo it this weekend though.  I added another alcoholic beverage to the list of "never agains".  Purple vodka.  It tasted like juice and some how my glass kept getting refilled.  So I'm good for a few weeks.

And what?  No comment about my sexy dog?   ;D  Thankfully, tank tops are still in style for sexy man wear here in Appalachia.

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 24, 2012, 09:44:47 am
Maybe I need to change my persona a tad as I don't drink as often as I joke.  I would if I didn't understand the harm it can cause.  To date, I maintain great liver functions.  I did manage to overdo it this weekend though.  I added another alcoholic beverage to the list of "never agains".  Purple vodka.  It tasted like juice and some how my glass kept getting refilled.  So I'm good for a few weeks.

And what?  No comment about my sexy dog?   ;D  Thankfully, tank tops are still in style for sexy man wear here in Appalachia.

Wolfie

Well dearest Wolfmaster, it does warm my heart to know that your liver functions are in fine order. Mine are as well per my last lab report, but then I rarely drink alcohol these days. However, early on in my diagnosis I somehow earned the title of "Bar Slut" at The Lure, a well-known though now shuttered Manhattan leather establishment. When at a bar, I am partial to Ketel One and club soda, with a lemon not a lime.

I don't know what purple vodka is.
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: GSOgymrat on January 24, 2012, 10:04:49 am
Had my annual physical today including skin assessment, EKG, tetanus shot, prostate exam and numerous vials of blood. I have developed a couple of little red spots called cherry angiomas, completely benign but yet another sign I'm getting older. :P
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 24, 2012, 12:50:41 pm
This is a good guide to follow, taken from Mayo Clinic

Unusual moles that may indicate melanoma
Characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers follow the A-B-C-D-E guide developed by the American Academy of Dermatology:


bug, thanks for the nice info, I will most certainly have that black mole looked at for evaluation  ;)
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: tednlou2 on January 25, 2012, 01:38:11 am
I've always heard something like 80% of sun damage that may lead to skin cancer happened prior to age 18.  So, I can tan all I want now, right?   8)
 
I found this interesting-- Men are more likely to get skin cancer and to die from it.  I always assumed I saw more men with skin cancer, because they (especially older generations) were more likely to work outdoors.  And, the ones who didn't do that were out playing golf in greater numbers than women.  But, when I think of sunbathing, I think of women.  And, the gays.  The Jersey Shore boys are gay, if I'm not mistaken.

That is a huge factor, I'm sure.  However, from the article:  "Dr. Greg Lesinski, with the James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute says, "Male and female skin appear to have different levels of the antioxidant called catalase. And this serves to limit damage from the sun, from ultraviolet light, that can lead to skin cancer."  The researchers launched this battle of the sexes over skin cancer and noticed a profound difference.  Not only did female mice naturally have much more of the protective antioxidant in their skin, but when it was applied to males, their tumors actually improved."

http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/health/why-men-are-at-greater-risk-for-skin-cancer
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 25, 2012, 02:41:28 am
The Jersey Shore boys are gay, if I'm not mistaken.

... and that's based on what exactly?
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: GSOgymrat on January 25, 2012, 12:45:58 pm
... and that's based on what exactly?

Ted did say that he was having a bit of difficulty in the gaydar department.

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=41625.msg516964#msg516964
Title: Re: Tanning Beds and being HIV+
Post by: denb45 on January 25, 2012, 12:52:51 pm
Ted did say that he was having a bit of difficulty in the gaydar department.

http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=41625.msg516964#msg516964

it is my understand that  Guido (English pronunciation: /ˈɡwiːdoʊ/) is a slang term for a lower-class or working-class urban Italian-New Yorker.   are NOT GAY, @ least the ones I have met aren't  ::)