Sun is Life® Certification is the tanning industry’s premier training program because it is supported by factual information salon staff throughout the continent can rely upon to combat incorrect or negatively-biased information about indoor tanning. Throughout COVID, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was clearly involved in getting factual information to the masses – a challenge for them as new information seemingly surfaced continually, sometimes counteracting what was previously stated. However, they do a solid job on many fronts. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Exhibit A: a question answered in the Sun is Life program supported by information supplied by the CDC. The question is “Can you get herpes from a tanning bed?”
Well, Dr. Mary Jane Hackenbush (name changed to protect the innocent, apologies to Groucho Marx) says “you can.” She states in a recent article … “I’ve seen acquired bacterial infections, warts, and herpes infections from tanning beds.” Really? Can you share how you ascertained that the herpes simplex virus contracted was the result of contact with a tanning bed acrylic and not via person-to-person contact? Oh, let me guess; it’s because not one person you asked said they had any sexual relations with an infected partner? Well? We’re waiting … but I’ll cut to the chase. She did not offer any substantiation for her declaration. Read more from her at Why Your Tanning Bed Might Give You Herpes | YourTango
Well, let’s check in with the CDC for their stance:
“You will not get herpes from toilet seats, bedding or swimming pools. You also will not get it from touching objects such as silverware, soap or towels.” Read more at: STD Facts – Genital Herpes (cdc.gov)
Let’s put this into perspective. The Skin Cancer Foundation claims that approximately 10 million people tan on a sunbed each year. That number was considerably less than during the ‘80s and ‘90s, but let’s use it in this example: 10 million x 45 years of indoor tanning in the U.S. = 450 million people. If Dr. H’s statement were correct, wouldn’t there be an incredible epidemic of herpes traced to contact with a sunbed? C’mon, Man!
Of course, as responsible owners and staff (especially Sun is Life grads) know, professional salon operation includes cleaning and sanitizing every tanning system after each session. If you haven’t invested in the super-affordable and accessible Sun is Life Training & Certification program yet, it’s a great time to make it happen. Check it out at sunislife.com!
