Tanorexia

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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Sun tan and Sun bed (Discuss)

Tanorexia is a slang term used to describe people who put themselves at risk of getting skin cancer as a result of the excessive outdoor tanning or excessive use of tanning salons to get a darker skin color. It is based etymologically on the medical condition anorexia, with tanorexics always seeing themselves as too pale.

Taxorexia should not be confused with tanning addiction, which is a physical rather than psychological problem. The term is sometimes also used loosely to refer to people who overuse fake tan products, although those products are not associated with any health risks.

[edit] Symptoms

Symptoms include intense anxiety if a session of tanning is missed. Competition among peers to see who can get the darkest tan can cause additional anxiety. As is the case with almost every other addiction, tanorexics tend to withdraw from society. As with any other disorder, withdrawal can lead to TRICKY or Tricotolimania attacks.