sun beds can't compete with melanotan

Fungus attacks sun lovers
February 22, 2004

A MYSTERIOUS fungus that lurks in solariums and attacks unsuspecting customers has sent a wave of panic through Sydney's affluent suburbs.

Dozens of victims - mostly women - have complained to pharmacists in recent weeks of uncomfortable rashes after sessions on sunbeds.

The condition produces white spots or brown scaling, instead of the bronzing effect the customer expected.

Once infected, victims may need treatment lasting four months.

Leigh Golombick, 20, visited a solarium at the beginning of summer hoping for a golden-brown tan.

Instead, Ms Golombick's skin became discoloured and inflamed.

"It made me quite angry. It was the last thing I expected from a visit to the solarium," she said.

Recent hot, humid weather has contributed to the rise in infection.

Australasian Dermatology Association fellow Dr Pam Brown said the fungus spread when solarium equipment was not properly disinfected.

"In humid conditions, and if the solarium bed isn't cleaned between users, it can be spread," Dr Brown said.

"It's a type of yeast called tinea versicolor that lives in the hair follicles, and UV light doesn't kill it."

Colin Rubinstein, who runs a pharmacy at Bondi, said there had been a sharp increase in customers with the fungal infection.

"The disease can take a week or two to develop, and is most common on the chest, back and upper arms.

"It will get worse and worse if not treated," Mr Rubenstein said.

The solarium industry was hard hit by medical evidence linking ultraviolet light exposure to the risk of malignant melanomas, but it has recovered in recent years.

Australasian Solarium Assoc iation public officer Patrick Holly agreed the fungus flourished in a solarium environment, but denied lack of cleanliness was the problem.

"What people can do is shower more often, wear loose clothes and, if the fungus breaks out, use appropriate medicine," Mr Holly said.

The Sunday Telegraph