I have neurofibromatosis. will tanning make my condition worse?

No, but...: Be kind to your skin, regardless of NF. Skin cancer is best prevented rather than treated. Don't use tanning beds at all, the risk of malignant skin tumors from tanning beds is intolerably high. Use sunscreen with low to moderate SPF factor that will mitigate sun damage so you can tan safely. Take care!

Not known: I am unaware of any good studies about specifically neurofibromatosis and sun or tanning exposure. But I'm going to give you the same words I would give anyone with a chronic condition that involves their skin -TANNING IS A NO-NO! I'm not sure why anyone would want to risk cancer to look more brown.If you really need to be darker, use topical skin bronzers. Or better yet, love yourself as you are!

Sun protection: Sun exposure can make cafe au lait spots darker, but does not mean that the NF is getting more severe or progressing. The problem with tanning is sun exposure. Melanoma has been reported in few patients with nf1, mainly females. Protection from sun is advised to patients with and without nf.