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Author Topic: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?  (Read 15923 times)

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Offline bimazek

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sun tanning and HIV

i read this news report today and thought perhaps it can effect hiv replication...

news report today shows that suns rays produce Protein That Triggers Tanning and Protects against Skin Cancer

then i thought about my friends who are long term survivors of HIV and many take moderate sun 30 min on weekends or one hour when they can... they are tan

Researchers find that a protein activated to repair DNA damage also activates tanning, which can protect against melanoma
Scientists have determined that while it fixes damage to DNA caused by UV rays, the protein p53 also controls the mechanism for tanning.  A powerful protein known as p53 has long been considered the master regulator of the genome because of its amazing ability to repair damaged DNA. Now scientists at Harvard's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered that p53 not only mends genetic material but also kicks off the chemical cascade that results in tanning. 
The researchers report in Cell that when p53 is activated (in response to DNA damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays and other factors), it triggers production of alpha-MSH, a hormone that then prompts production of melanin, or pigment. Recognizing that p53 is the linchpin of this chain of events could result in a way to "give people tans without needing the sun" (or creams or sprays to artificially color their skin), says senior study author David Fisher, director of Dana-Farber's Cutaneous Oncology and Melanoma Program
   
   
so i did a search on google for scholarly articles... on this  alpha MSH and HIV
   
   http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=alpha-MSH+hiv&btnG=Search
   
   immediately it shows that this alpha-MSH

   Anti-tumor necrosis factor and antimicrobial effects of a-MSH suggest that the peptide
might likewise reduce replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&lr=&q=alpha-MSH+hiv&btnG=Search
   
 plasma alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone are associated with reduced disease progression in HIV- … - group of 2 »
L Airaghi, R Capra, G Pravettoni, F Maggiolo, F … - J Lab Clin Med, 1999 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
... hormone (alpha-MSH) are associated with accelerated or reduced disease progression
in patients with HIV infection, plasma concentrations of alpha-MSH and two   
   
   
   Melanocortin peptides inhibit production of proinflammatory cytokines in blood of HIV-infected … - group of 3 »
   A Catania, L Garofalo, M Cutuli, A Gringeri, E … - Peptides, 1998 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
   ... on normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), alpha-MSH (1-13) inhibited
   production of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha induced by HIV envelope glycoprotein gp ...
   Cited by 20 - Related Articles - Web Search
   
   a-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone peptides inhibit HIV-1 expression in chronically infected … - group of 3 »
   W Barcellini, G Colombo, L La Maestra, G Clerici, … - 2000 - Soc Leukocyte Biology
   ... JL, Macken, CA, Perelson, AS, Wolinsky, SM (1999) Persistence of HIV-1 transcription
in ... and M. BOHM New Insights into the Functions of {alpha}-MSH and Related


Central Neurotranspeptide, Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone (a-MSH) is Upregulated in Patients … - group of 2 »
M Yamaoka-Tojo, T Tojo, T Shioi, T Masuda, T … - Internal Medicine, 2006 - J-STAGE
... associated with re- duced disease progression in HIV-infected patients ... A. Mechanisms
of anti-inflammatory action of the neuroimmunomodulatory peptide alpha-MSH. ..


Antimicrobial amino acid sequences derived from alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone - group of 2 »
AP Catania, JM Lipton - US Patent 6,887,846, 2005 - Google Patents
... Alha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha- MSH) and melanin concentrating hormone
(MCH ... are associated with reduced disease progression in HIV-infected patients


   
Proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides and cytokines: relations in patients with acquired … - group of 2 »
   Catania, L Airaghi, MG Manfredi, MC Vivirito, F … - Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1993 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
   ... to have a role in disease progression in HIV-infected patients, it may be that a
potent endogenous modulator of cytokine action such as alpha-MSH is crucial to .
   

Anti-inflammatory actions of the neuroimmunomodulator alpha-MSH. - group of 3 »
JM Lipton, A Catania - Immunol Today, 1997 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Click here to read Anti-inflammatory actions of the neuroimmunomodulator
alpha-MSH. Lipton JM, Catania A. Dept of Physiology, University ...
Cited by 165 - Related Articles - Web Search

ACTH-(1-24) and alpha-MSH antagonize feeding behavior stimulated by kappa opiate agonists.
R Poggioli, AV Vergoni, A Bertolini - Peptides, 1986 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
ACTH-(1-24) and alpha-MSH antagonize feeding behavior stimulated by kappa
opiate agonists. Poggioli R, Vergoni AV, Bertolini A. ACTH ...
Cited by 88 - Related Articles - Web Search

Behavioral effects of alpha-MSH and MCH after central administration in the female rat. - group of 3 »
MI Gonzalez, S Vaziri, CA Wilson - Peptides, 1996 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Click here to read Behavioral effects of alpha-MSH and MCH after central
administration in the female rat. Gonzalez MI, Vaziri S, Wilson CA. ...
Cited by 61 - Related Articles - Web Search

Antiinflammatory effects of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH in acute, chronic, and systemic inflammation.
JM Lipton, G Ceriani, A Macaluso, D McCoy, K … - Ann NY Acad Sci, 1994 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Antiinflammatory effects of the neuropeptide alpha-MSH in acute, chronic,
and systemic inflammation. Lipton JM, Ceriani G, Macaluso ...
Cited by 60 - Related Articles - Web Search - BL Direct

Central neurogenic antiinflammatory action of alpha-MSH: modulation of peripheral inflammation … - group of 2 »
G Ceriani, A Macaluso, A Catania, JM Lipton - Neuroendocrinology, 1994 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Central neurogenic antiinflammatory action of alpha-MSH: modulation of peripheral
inflammation induced by cytokines and other mediators of inflammation. ...
Cited by 46 - Related Articles - Web Search - BL Direct

Characterisation of ACTH peptides in human skin and their activation of the melanocortin-1 receptor. - group of 2 »
K Wakamatsu, A Graham, D Cook, AJ Thody - Pigment Cell Res, 1997 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
... Alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is a proopiomelanocortin
(POMC)-derived peptide, which is produced in the pituitary and at other sites ...
Cited by 80 - Related Articles - Web Search - BL Direct

Changes in Hypothalamic Agouti-Related Protein (AGRP), but not alpha-MSH or Pro-Opiomelanocortin … - group of 4 »
JA Harrold, G Williams, PS Widdowson - Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 1999 - ingentaconnect.com
IngentaConnect. ...
Cited by 46 - Related Articles - Web Search - BL Direct

alpha-MSH modulates experimental inflammatory bowel disease. - group of 3 »
N Rajora, G Boccoli, A Catania, JM Lipton - Peptides, 1997 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Click here to read alpha-MSH modulates experimental inflammatory bowel disease.
Rajora N, Boccoli G, Catania A, Lipton JM. Physiology ...
Cited by 44 - Related Articles - Web Search

MSH peptides are present in mammalian skin. - group of 2 »
AJ Thody, K Ridley, RJ Penny, R Chalmers, C Fisher … - Peptides, 1983 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
... Thody AJ, Ridley K, Penny RJ, Chalmers R, Fisher C, Shuster S. Immunoreactive
alpha-MSH was found in human skin and the skin of numerous other mammals. ...
Cited by 93 - Related Articles - Web Search

4-Norleucine, 7-D-phenylalanine-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a highly potent alpha- … - group of 3 »
TK Sawyer, PJ Sanfilippo, VJ Hruby, MH Engel, CB … - Proc Natl Acad Sci US A, 1980 - pubmedcentral.nih.gov
... Abstract. alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) reversibly darkens frog
skins by stimulating melanosome movement (dispersion) within melanophores. ...
Cited by 62 - Related Articles - Web Search

Result Pa

Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2007, 11:21:48 pm »
i'm not a biologist and have no clue about biology but if the melatonin was an inhibitor then why would black people be infected?

or i'm completely stupid?

And we all know that the virus doesn't like air, that's why we don't get infected by touching someone or coughing, the virus needs to be in warm areas of the body to replicate, why would any skin cell have anything to do with it?

mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
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Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2007, 12:01:00 am »
A suntan, or sunburn, is an immune response. For people with low CD4 counts, it can lead to overall fatigue, fever, flulike symptoms - which subside in a few days, when the tan fades.

For people with normal or healthy levels of a functioning immune system, I see no problem with exposure to the sun.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

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Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2007, 12:44:51 am »
but the immune response to sun has completely different proteins involved, i'm not sure why hiv would be involved here or i'm not understanding it?
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2007, 01:33:27 am »
For those with seriously compromised immune systems, triggering a general immune response taxes the entire system. Sun poisoning comes to mind, only without the extreme exposure.

The proteins in the specific response ARE different, but the body responds the same, systemically, to a perceived threat.

LIke I said, with a relatively intact immune system, it's absolutely no biggie. For people with low immunity, it can be very painful and debilitating.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

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Offline Mike89406

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2007, 01:37:59 am »
but the immune response to sun has completely different proteins involved, i'm not sure why hiv would be involved here or i'm not understanding it?


Milker

What I think the article is stating as it is mentioned multiple times is reduced disease progression of HIV.

So basically this tanning stimulates the immune system to fight whatever and give an immune response. What that means to you is that its probably no better than taking a vitamin that helps the immune function.

Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2007, 01:43:10 am »
very interesting. I was very interested in jkinatl2 answer and will study this.
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2007, 02:06:23 am »
When I started having several day's worth of fever and fluelike junk every time I went to the tanning bed, I started doing research.

Apparently when someone's T Cells dip below 200, all bets are off insofar as "regular" physiological behavior is concerned.

Syphilis becomes neurosyphilis within months instead of years.

 Lifting weights, that minor tear/repair routine, can make a person very sick.

Heretofore suppressed things like HPV and PCP start showing up in their wackiest and most evil incarnations.

Worst part is, you don't have to look like you are knocking on heaven's door to get those things. You can look perfectly healthy, but without an intact immune system, you can't withstand anything of consequence.

Things we relatively healthy-appearing people have to keep in mind (and I am telling myself this as well) is that looks can be deceiving. I have about two dozen T cells right now, but I look pale but healthy. However, if I were idiotic enough to, say, volunteer for a charity that builds houses this weekend, I would be very, very sick for days or weeks after. Probably weeks, since I am recovering from PCP.

We tend to discount the immune system's impact on our daily lives, because it's always there. But when it's not that reliable, seriously, all bets are off.

Again, if someone is on HAART and/or has a robust (or hell, normal) immune system, tanning stimulates that system. Taxing a system dedicated each and every day to coping with/eliminating millions of mutations of HIV pathogen is something we do at our own peril, however.

Like Sushi, it depends on the risk a person is willing to take, and the overall state of their health. And sometimes, the best way to find out those limitations is to give them a try. It took three or four bouts of sun poisoning symptoms (with barely ten minutes' worth of controlled exposure) for me and my doctor to pinpoint the cause, and to realize that I needed my immune system for other things.

Hopefully I will be able to bring my CD4 count back up, and when I am over 200, commence to tanning and weightlifting. Until that happen though, I have battles going on in my body that I am usually not even aware of, night sweats and fatigue notwithstanding.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

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Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2007, 04:32:04 am »
I don't know The Science like others here but I do know that sunbathing - despite how relaxing it may seem - does in fact put the body under quite a lot of stress. Whereas some moderate daily exposure to the ol' natural vitamin D is good for most people, overexposure is surely good for no-one. I also know that when the body is being challenged - say from an attack of herpes or the like - it is advised to stay out of the sun. Likewise, overexposure to the sun can also trigger off herpes/shingles attacks. My blood counts are all behaving so far, but if the day comes when they aren't I would definitely reassess how much time I spend bronzing.

I ADORE sunshine but I'm not a sun goddess who likes to fry anymore. My own personal daily dosage is perhaps half an hour early morning and/or half an hour early evening. I avoid being out in the sun between 11am and 3pm as and when I can. And despite having olive skin, I always slap on some Factor 15.

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Offline blondbeauty

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2007, 07:06:43 am »
My viral load was above 100.000 copies after spending two weeks in the Canary Islands under the sun...
The only member in these forums approved by WINBA: World International Nail and Beauty Association.
Epstein Barr +; CMV +; Toxoplasmosis +; HIV-1 +.
Counts when starting treatment:
V.L.:80.200 copies. CD4: 25%=503
Started Sustiva-Truvada 14/August/2006
Last V.L.count (Oct 2013): Undetectable
Last CD4 count (OCT 2013): 52%= 933

Offline antibody

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #10 on: March 12, 2007, 01:32:05 pm »
i used to tan all the time. i worked next door to a tanning salon. on my first visit to my doctor after my diagnosis he asked if i tanned i said yes and he said stop. so i did.
Timbuk      <50/ 794  CD4 10/06 
                 <50/ 1096 CD4 3/07
                 <40/ 1854 CD4 4/09

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Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #11 on: March 12, 2007, 03:42:20 pm »
So that was an interesting conversion but which got me worried !

I live in sunny southern california, i work outside wearing shorts, so i can't avoid sun tanning.. today is about 80 degrees outside full sun, should I be worried and start covering me with lotion?
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

Offline aupointillimite

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #12 on: March 12, 2007, 04:08:04 pm »
I usually slather myself in sunscreen with an SPF high enough to work on the surface of the sun every day during the summer.

It's not so much for health reasons, but vanity.  I don't look good with a tan.

But it's nice to know I've been inadvertently doing something right.
 

Your tastebuds can't repel flavor of this magnitude!

Offline Longislander

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #13 on: March 12, 2007, 05:28:15 pm »
this is interesting, I returned from a sunny, beach filled PR vacation and had labs drawn a week later and my VL was 80,000 from 29,000. Cd4's and % remained constant. Makes one wonder........
infected 10/05 diagnosed 12-05
2/06   379/57000                    6/07 372/30500 25%   4/09 640/U/32% 
5/06   ?? /37000                     8/07 491/55000/24%    9/09 913/U/39%
8/06   349/9500 25%              11/07 515/68000/24     2/10 845/U/38%
9/06   507/16,000 30% !          2/08  516/116k/22%    7/10 906/80/39%
12/06 398/29000 26%             Start Atripla 3/08
3/07   402/80,000 29%            4/08  485/undet!/27
4/07   507/35,000 25%            7/08 625/UD/34%
                                                 11/08 684/U/36%

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #14 on: March 12, 2007, 06:24:20 pm »
As a two-time survivor of skin cancer, including as recently as a month ago, I would encourage the use of a good SPF number consistently like at least #15. According to my dermatologist and the surgeon, even on cloudy days it's a good precaution to have some on.

I can tell you from experience that surgery for skin cancer is not always the kind of easy op that Laura Bush had recently on her leg, particularly when it's on your face.

A sadder but wiser reformed sunworshipper,
Andy Velez

Offline J.R.E.

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #15 on: March 12, 2007, 08:22:53 pm »

I would like to get out there in the sun and get a little color on occasion. And I do sometimes. It doesn't take long here in Florida. Too much sun, wears me out.

But !!,   there is no way I spend any length of time in the sun without having at least a number 30 sunscreen on me.

I have also had plenty of squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, and precancerous- removed these past 20 years. an unfortunate lesson to learn from.

Like my dermatologist says " Only use sunscreen on the skin you want to save !!"


Be careful out in the sun...

Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline bimazek

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #16 on: March 12, 2007, 09:23:01 pm »

Very interesting personal experiences

Many things i had not thought of,

but very very moderate exposure say fifteen minutes or 20 min on face and chest and back should be ok if a person has 350 or 400 or 500 T cells

i think?


Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #17 on: March 12, 2007, 09:26:59 pm »
Hi Bizamek,

I'm a fast tanner, but i'm white right now (bad winter in southern cali, it was 60, which is basically the temperature when california freezes, but today it went up to 85 and after reading this post I stayed outside for I guess a total of 20 minutes in few minutes intervals. I rarely get any sunburn but I get brown skin fast, and i'm not sure what to think. I was thinking about calling my ID tomorrow to ask him about getting sun exposure, usually I turn from aspirin white to puerto rican in 2 weeks, with a 2 hour exposure a day, without burning.

Milker
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

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Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2007, 09:39:03 pm »
Honestly, so long as your T Cells are within normal perameters, your risks seem roughly the same as any other person. Viral load has no bearing in this, thogh I imagine percentage might.

Here are some links which speculate regarding skin cancer and HIV:

http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-06-04-03#S5X

source:
Nguyen  P, Vin-Christian  K, Ming  ME, Berger  T.
Aggressive squamous cell carcinomas in persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Arch Dermatol. 2002 Jun;138(6):758-63
[PubMed ID

Most of the info I found was relating to KS to the exclusion of other cancers impacting the skin. However, the study above was not.  I was distressed to read that the study said:

<< Human immunodeficiency virus stage and the degree of immunosuppression were not associated with increased morbidity and mortality>>

This was only a single study however, and I have not seen much in the way of outside quantification in repetitive studies.

If it makes you feel bad, obviously stop. If it doesn't, from what I read, you are in the same situation as anyone else with your skin tone and your tanning history.

Interestingly, even spray tanning and lotions which stimulate melatonin artificially can trigger immune responses for those with low CD4 counts.



"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

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Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2007, 10:56:49 pm »
I'm not worried about KS but worried about the experiences from people that have tanned and have had their VL rise?

I look so much hotter when i'm tanned !!  ::)
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

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Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #20 on: March 12, 2007, 11:11:44 pm »
hey me too! Seriously :) - tho I also noticed when I was tanning, that I was starting to wrinkle around the eyes. That effect diminished when I stopped.

I have not seen any science linking moderate/recreational tanning and viral load progression or CD4 depletion. Of course, as you likely know, VL AND CD4 count can vary widely from blood draw to blood draw. Trends over time is the only rational way to determine the stability or direction of overall immune function.

My tanning only started to bother me when my CD4 count went below 150. That was five years ago. And please remember, I am from pasty-faced European stock, who would routinely go from trout-white to lobster red, then peel away back to trout. Tanning beds and self tanning helped a LOT for a long time, and I cannot imagine they would present a danger to anyone without a severely compromised immune system.



"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

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Offline Amosboy

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #21 on: March 12, 2007, 11:38:37 pm »
I want to weigh in on this one and put my own experience with overall "mental" health and moderate tanning.  Please note:  I have no scientific evidence to offer anything other than my own experience.  Sitting in the sun for a twenty minute meditation on the warmth of the sun and of how this light is necessary for growth on the most basic level, I'd say it's a good thing for me...on a mental level.  From my experience, mental health and physical health are completely and utterly intertwined.  Moderation is probably le mot du jour. 

The sun makes me feel a little more full of life and excited about the sun-kissed whispers of the summer months ahead.

A little bit of a tan line can be so sexy.

Brooks
"Love isn't love unless it's not painfully absurb."

-Charlotte Martin

Offline fearless

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #22 on: March 12, 2007, 11:50:10 pm »
hey milker,

I would not be too concerned about anecdotal evidence from a couple of people of viral load increasing after sun exposure. After spending a month lazing in the sun in Mexico my vl dropped from over 600,000 to <50.

I worship the sun, but limit my sunbaking (the sun is much more harsh here in Aus than in the northern hemisphere, so we refer to it as sunbaking as opposed to sunbathing) to an hour or so in the morning and/or evening, and I always use 15+. It is a good idea to keep out of the sun between 11 and 3 as it is just too harsh.



Be forgiving, be grateful, be optimistic

Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #23 on: March 12, 2007, 11:59:40 pm »
I think AmosBoy's post made it. It's all about feeling good. So I will enjoy the sun and tan as I did before, that is no burning and going back home when i feel too warm, and at the same time talk to my ID and look at my VL and go from there :)
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

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Offline Blixer

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2007, 10:24:18 pm »
I started tanning in July for a cruise that I took in September.  I didn't over do it but I did continue to tan since that time.  Obviously from my two sets of labs since starting to tan it hasn't had a significant impact on my CD4 or VL.  I do realize there are issues with too much sun exposure and skin problems including cancer.  But hey, I've got HIV....   I need something to feel good about.  And if tanning makes me feel a bit better about myself and I don't over do it, then I'm probably okay.  Like other things in life, I need to weigh the risks.
David
Diagnosed 1/9/06
8/27/2007 CD4 598, 29%, VL 58 (72 wks)
11/19/2007 CD4 609, 30%, VL < 50 (84 wks)
2/11/2008 CD4 439, 27%, VL <50 (96 wks)
5/5/2008 CD4 535, 28%, VL <50 (108 wks)
10/20/2008 CD4 680, 28%, VL <50 (132 wks)
Changed to Atripla in 2012
1/14/2013 CD4 855, 35%, VL <40

Offline northernguy

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #25 on: March 13, 2007, 11:10:49 pm »
For those of us who live with long, grey winters, summer and sunshine are a godsend.  We have a fantastic nude beach here, and sitting naked in the sun with a beer in hand makes me fell soooo incredibly good.  I've noticed that I dont get that nice, even glow anymore though, its more blotchy and reddish. Maybe its the HIV or age, who knows.  I've been using sunscreen but my skin now reacts really badly to some, possibly because of my eczema.  Some lotions actually make my hands peel.
Apr 28/06 cd4 600 vl 10,600 cd% 25
Nov 8/09 cd4 510 vl 49,5000 cd% 16
Jan 16/10 cd4 660 vl 54,309 cd% 16
Feb 17/10 Started Atripla
Mar 7/10 cd4 710 vl 1,076 cd% 21
Apr 18/10 cd4 920 vl 268 cd% 28
Jun 19/10 cd4 450 vl 60 cd% 25
Aug 15/10 cd4 680 vl 205 cd% 27
Apr 3/11 cd4 780 vl <40 cd% 30
Jul 17/11 cd4 960 vl <40 cd%33
April 15/12 cd4 1,010 vl <40 cd% 39
April 20/12 Switched to Viramune + Truvada
Aug 2/12 cd4 1040, vl <40, cd% 38
Oct 19 cd4 1,110 vl <40 cd% 41

Offline ndrew

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #26 on: March 14, 2007, 12:02:15 am »
This is a really helpful, interesting thread.  I wanted to ask this question before (about tanning beds).  My doctor told me to go a few times, cuz of the depressing beige seasonal disorder.  But my hypochondia makes me think I feel (s)icky afterwards.

Has anyone has a reaction to tanning lotions.  I swear I had a weird rash once after using the stuff and will never use it again...

Drew

Offline milker

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Re: Sun tanning and HIV what are your experiences does it help or hurt?
« Reply #27 on: March 14, 2007, 12:04:41 am »
I've left a voicemail to my ID about natural tanning (i live in southern california so tanning beds are not necessary) and waiting for the answer. I didn't think about how creams may be good or bad, so i'm interested in your findings too !
mid-dec: stupid ass
mid-jan: seroconversion
mid-feb: poz
mar 07: cd4 432 (35%) vl 54000
may 07: cd4 399 (28%) vl 27760
jul 07: cd4 403 (26%) vl 99241
oct 07: cd4 353 (24%) vl 29993
jan 08: cd4 332 (26%) vl 33308
mar 08: cd4 392 (23%) vl 75548
jun 08: cd4 325 (27%) vl 45880
oct 08: cd4 197 (20%) vl 154000 <== aids diagnosis
nov 2 08 start Atripla
nov 30 08: cd4 478 (23%) vl 1880 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
feb 19 09: cd4 398 (24%) vl 430 getting there!
apr 23 09: cd4 604 (29%) vl 50 woohoo :D :D
jul 30 09: cd4 512 (29%) vl undetectable :D :D
may 27 10: cd4 655 (32%) vl undetectable :D :D

Now accepting applications from blowjob ninjas™

 


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