- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Staying healthy (12)
- Will an air purifier eliminate cigarette smoke?
- Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk?
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- see all in Staying healthy
Dental care (7)
- Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
- Sensitive teeth: What treatments are available?
- Electric toothbrush: Better than a manual toothbrush?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (9)
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- Shaving hair: Does shaved hair grow back thicker?
- Foods for healthy skin: Top picks
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- Nail ridges: Cause for concern?
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
Sleep (7)
- Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
- Sleep and weight gain: What's the connection?
- see all in Sleep
Mental health (2)
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Tanning beds: Safer than the sun?
Are tanning beds safer than natural sunlight?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Tanning beds don't offer a safe alternative to natural sunlight. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages your skin, whether the exposure comes from tanning beds or natural sunlight. This damage increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. In fact, most tanning beds emit mainly UVA rays — which may increase the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
If you'd like the golden glow of a tan without exposure to damaging UV radiation, consider using a sunless tanning product. Avoid tanning beds, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you're outdoors.
Next questionBirth control pills for acne?
- Brice S, et al. Sunburn. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Curiel-Lewandrowski C. Risk factors for the development of melanoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 12, 2010.
- Demierre MF, et al. Primary prevention of melanoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 12, 2010.
Find Mayo Clinic on