Sun and Ultraviolet Exposure in Athletes

Athletes who train and compete outdoors receive a large dose of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes sunburn in the short term and raises the risk of skin cancer with repeated exposure.

Exposure is often made worse by the setting: altitude, snow, open water and hot destinations near the equator. Some medicines make the skin react abnormally to the sun (drug photosensitivity), including doxycycline taken for malaria prevention.

Prevention is simple and worth building into training and travel plans.