The American Academy of Dermatology is warning athletes that they are at higher risk of developing skin cancer.According to Brian B. Adams, MD, MPH, FAAD, and chairperson of the AAD's Sports Committee, "Outdoor athletes are at a particularly higher risk because perspiration on the skin lowers the minimal erythema dose, the lowest ultraviolet (UV) light exposure needed to turn the skin barely pink."
The AAD encourages all athletes to "Be Sun Smart" with the following tips: wearing sunscreen and reapplying every two hours, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade if possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., getting skin checkups, remembering to protect your children against the sun, getting vitamin D through your diet and supplements instead of the sun and avoiding the use of tanning beds.
