Skin Protection Strategies for Pickleball: In recent years, pickleball has surged in popularity across the United States, with the total number of courts reaching 11,864 by the end of 2023, according to USA Pickleball Texas boasts 2,081 of these courts, and Austin, in particular, has emerged as a “pickleball hotspot” for the South, as highlighted in TeachMe.to’s annual report on top pickleball cities.
Dr. Ryan Tierney, a radiation oncologist with Texas Oncology, shares crucial insights on how to enjoy pickleball while safeguarding your skin from sun damage.
Sun Exposure Concerns in a Pickleball Hotspot
“Austin is a pickleball hotspot, and with that comes significant sun exposure. It’s an outdoor sport, and as part of that, it’s pretty easy to get a lot of sun exposure if you’re playing a lot of pickleball, especially down here in Texas.” – (Dr. Tierney)
He emphasizes the increased risk of skin cancer due to excessive sun exposure and shows the importance of taking preventive measures.
The Impact of Sun Exposure on Your Skin
Dr. Tierney points out that the most serious risk from prolonged sun exposure is skin cancer.
“The most-feared complication could be the development of skin cancer. But we can also see increased aging with long-term sun exposure. We can see sunspots develop, in addition to the different types of skin cancers which can be created.” – (Dr. Tierney)
Time and Risk: How Quickly Can Sun Damage Occur?
When asked about how long it takes for sun exposure to affect the skin, Dr. Tierney notes that individual risk factors vary.
“Everybody is different, and everybody has different personal risk factors for skin cancer, and those include things like a history of indoor tanning.” – (Dr. Tierney)
He advises that while everyone is at risk, those with fair skin, freckles, light-colored eyes, or lighter hair are particularly vulnerable.
“Anybody who notices anything new or different on the skin that doesn’t go away should see a dermatologist because skin cancer can occur in almost any age group.” – (Dr. Tierney)
Recognizing Skin Changes: What to Look For
Dr. Tierney outlines key warning signs to watch for. “The most common warning signs of skin cancer are new or unusual changes on the skin,” he says. He recommends using the ABCDE guide for melanoma detection:
- A stands for Asymmetry: One half of the lesion is different from the other in size, shape, or color.
- B stands for Border: The edge of the lesion is irregular or not smooth.
- C stands for Color: The lesion may have multiple colors, including shades of tan, brown, black, red, white, or blue.
- D stands for Diameter: Lesions larger than others or darker in color are concerning.
- E stands for Evolving: Changes over time, such as bleeding, crusting, or itching, warrant a dermatologist’s evaluation.
Tips for Sun Protection While Playing Pickleball
To minimize sun damage while enjoying pickleball, Dr. Tierney offers these practical tips:
“What we recommend is limiting exposure. Avoid hitting the pickleball courts and being outside too long, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when we know that UV light is the strongest.” – (Dr. Tierney)
He also suggests wearing long-sleeve shirts or pants, applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapplying it every 40-80 minutes.
“Wearing a hat with a wide brim can help protect the face, nose, and ears from sun exposure. and wearing sunglasses can also help protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes.” – (Dr. Tierney)
By following these guidelines, pickleball enthusiasts can enjoy their games while keeping their skin safe from the sun’s harmful effects.
News in Brief: Skin Protection Strategies for Pickleball
Pickleball’s popularity is soaring across the U.S., with 11,864 courts reported by the end of 2023. Texas hosts 2,081 of these, and Austin ranks as a top pickleball city. Dr. Ryan Tierney of Texas Oncology warns about the risks of sun exposure for players in sunny regions like Texas.
Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin aging. Key protective measures include avoiding peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing protective clothing, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapplying it regularly. Dr. Ryan Tierney also emphasizes the importance of monitoring skin changes and consulting a dermatologist for any unusual developments.
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