Are sun beds a good treatment for SAD?

An Auckland doctor who told a patient to use a sunbed to cure her winter blues put her at risk by exposing her to dangerous ultra-violet rays, the Cancer Society says.

The woman, who won't be named, was prescribed the intense ultra-violet therapy last month by her Howick general practitioner, who diagnosed her with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

SAD is a mood disorder where people suffer different degrees of depression as a result of a lack of vitamin D.

But harsh UV light emitted from sunbeds contributed to skin cancer, said Barb Hegan, national adviser for skin cancer control at the Cancer Society. "The Cancer Society would like all sunbeds switched off across New Zealand because they're dangerous and unnecessary," she said.