A tanning lamp produces ultraviolet radiation and it can either be a low pressure or high pressure unit. High pressure units are known as “bulbs” while low pressure ones are known as “lamps”; but, there are many exceptions and, no one is really very set in following these categorizations. However, both types need to have an oxygen free environment within the lamp. In addition, the tanning lamp needs to have a ballast to make power available.

Main Aim

The main aim of using a tanning lamp is to obtain a suntan without need to lie out in the sun and, how good a quality of suntan that can be obtained will depend on the spectrum of the light being generated by the lamp. It is the norm that these devices will produce much more ultraviolet radiations than would normal sunlight and, thus provides users with faster base tans though; the tan may wear off faster and, it does not provide as much protection from the sun as is the case with natural tans.

Tanning lamps may also be used for treating psoriasis, eczema as well as for curing or aging wood used in building violins, guitars as also other musical instruments. They may also be used for water purification as well as sterilizing medical instruments.

However, there are concerns regarding the use of tanning lamps which could cause an increase in the incidence of skin cancer, with young users being most at risk. With artificial tanning becoming more popular, tanning lamps may be a real source of some skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma that together cause the most malignancies in humans. Since being exposed to ultraviolet radiation or UVR from the sun can cause skin cancer and, these devices mimic sunlight, there is reason to believe that users may be affected adversely and, may be more prone to developing skin cancer as a result of using them.

People that use a tanning lamp may get themselves burnt in a manner similar to sunburn which is closely linked with the three main types of skin cancer. There is every likelihood that people using tanning lamps would be two and a half times more at risk to developing squamous cell carcinoma and, one and a half times more at risk to developing basal cell carcinoma than those not using such artificial means.

It has also been found by researchers that the risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma was higher in youths and, was twenty percent and ten percent higher respectively for youth who used a tanning lamp. The tanning lamp is therefore not a very safe means of obtaining a browner skin color and, should be used with care.

When choosing a table lamp our first thought is usually that we need extra lighting or we have a spot where a table lamp would add that perfect touch to our decor. But there’s definitely more to choosing a table lamp than just function. Placed on side table, or on a shelf, a table lamp can be used to high light a collection of your favorite objects, brighten a dark corner, or provide a pool of light for reading. A table lamp can also provide just the right amount of light for a hallway or a soft welcoming glow in an entryway Table lamps come in all shapes, sizes and styles as well as a wide variety of materials including crystal, ceramic, wood, and steel, so it is easy to find something to suit every room in your home.

Form And Function

While ceiling fixtures light up a whole room and may be more than you need, table lamps create small warm pools of light perfect for individual tasks such as reading or hand sewing and a table lamp on a side table can create soft shadows and add balance to a room. When choosing a table lamp, the base and the shade should be proportionate to each other and should fit the scale of the furnishings. The shade should be at eye level when you’re seated, so the glare from the bulb won’t be visible. the number of table lamps in each room can vary greatly. For common areas such as living rooms and family rooms, you’ll want a lamp that helps light the room but also focuses on specific task areas.

Bedside Manner

When choosing a bedside table lamp, remember it is just as much for purpose as it is for form and is often the main lighting source for the entire room as well as for reading in bed. The height of your nightstand should determine the height of your table lamp and taller lamps work best with shorter stands or you can place a shorter lamp on a stack of books for a nice decorating treatment. Smaller lamps with low wattage bulbs can be added to create small pools of intimate lighting. A table lamp should not only be functional but should make a statement about you and your home. They can provide a warm, inviting atmosphere to any room and a private haven after a long day.

The season of winter can sometimes be a very depressing time of the year. Depression-like symptoms can be triggered due to the lack of sunlight coupled with the experience of continual rain or snow. Often, during these times of inclement weather, an individual is forced to stay indoors. Sometimes this condition is known as cabin fever or, more scientifically, can be labeled as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

A treatment that has shown promise in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder is through the use of a sun lamp. In addition to this particular disorder other individuals with certain conditions have benefited from the use of a sun lamp. Those other conditions have included individuals who experience non-seasonal related depression and those who are homebound for a number of reasons.

What Is A Sun Lamp?

A sun lamp is an electrical device that simulates sunlight by emitting the short wavelengths found in the ultraviolet spectrum. A sun lamp receives its power through a 120 volt outlet. Also, sun lamps come in various sizes and can include a standing sun lamp as well as those that rest on a tabletop.

In addition, an added feature on some sun lamps is a timer. This timer, once set, will safely control the therapeutic time spent under than the sun lamp.

It is also important to note that there are a variety of light bulbs that are used in the light generating process. These bulbs come in different wattages. It is important to select the right wattage to meet your needs and maintain your personal safety. Also, these light bulbs will share with the consumer the number of hours of production that the bulb is estimated to provide.

Treatment Process

The treatment process in the utilization of a sun lamp involves the individual sitting or lying in proximity of the light generated from the sun lamp. The distance between the individual and the sun lamp should reflect a distance of no less than 18 inches. Often, treatments begin with sessions of 30 seconds and continue to progress in length. Generally, treatments occur on a daily basis and sometimes range in duration of up to 30 minutes.

It is critical that the eyes of the individual utilizing the sun lamp are protected. Therefore, it is not uncommon to have a set of protective eyewear included in the purchase of a sun lamp from the manufacture.

Skin Disorders

In addition to helping treat the symptoms related to Seasonal Affective Disorder, there are other medical benefits derived from the use of a sun lamp. One of these benefits is the effect that it can have upon certain skin disorders. Specifically, the treatment of acne, through the use of a sun lamp, has shown promise.

Other Possible Benefits

Other benefits of sun lamp treatment may include other conditions that are related to depressive states. Those conditions include Alzheimer’s disease, eating disorders, post-partum depression, etc.

Also, the use of a sun lamp has provided benefits to those individuals who experience sleeping disorders.