SKIN CARE BASICS FOR ATHLETES

An Interview with dermatologist Dr. Alexander Doctoroff

Dr. Alexander Doctoroff is a Board Certified Dermatologist on the staff of Metropolitan Dermatology in Clark, NJ. He is the current President of the New Jersey Dermatological Society. He also holds the position of Assistant Chief of Dermatology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in East Orange. He teaches medical residents and students at UMDNJ, where he is a Clinical Assistant Professor. Dr. Doctoroff is on staff of St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. In addition to general medical dermatology, Dr. Doctoroff specializes in cosmetic dermatology, surgical dermatology, and anti-aging skin treatments. Dr. Doctoroff is the recipient of multiple dermatologic awards for excellence. Points Sports Health asked him to provide some sun care basics.

PSH: Is there a greater risk of sun exposure for outdoor athletes, not just because of time spent outdoors, but because of sweat production (wearing off sunscreen for example), or any other circumstances?
A: Sweating by itself does not increase the risk of sun exposure. If the sweat is rubbed off with sunscreen, that would certainly remove the protection provided by sunscreen.

PSH: Young people don’t generally prepare themselves to avoid skin damage. Is there a more vulnerable age group of outdoor athletes?
A: Younger children are perhaps more susceptible to sun damage because of lack of knowledge and understanding of harmful effects of the sun. Since most of the sun damage is usually acquired during childhood and young adulthood, this group of athletes is very vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun.

PSH: Are there problems with sun exposure beyond skin cancer in these populations?
A: Overheating and dehydration is something one must always try to prevent.

PSH: What do you recommend for athletes who for reasons of competition, or long events (running, biking, etc.), they cannot effectively (naturally) reapply sunscreen?
A: Wear protective clothing and wide-brim hat (if the event permits it). A sunscreen in a spray can be used for a very quick application.

PSH: Are there any new products, or those you recommend, for this population?
A: I usually recommend sunscreen containing zinc and titanium. There are some very elegant formulations on the market which spread quite easily

PSH: In terms of application, do exercisers/athletes need to apply product under their clothing?
A: If the clothing is very sheer (you can see sun light through treads), then they should. Most clothing has enough thread density to stop the sun rays from getting through.

PSH: Do you have any personal experience to share in this area–either yourself, family members, patients–who are athletes/outdoor exercisers?
A: Personally, I try to schedule my outdoor exercise activities for the early morning (before 9 am) or late afternoon (after 5 pm). This allows me to avoid the most intense sun exposure and actually enjoy the activity.

PSH: Adults know to get skin check-ups with a dermatologist. What do you recommend for young people, if anything. What age should these check-ups begin?
A: There is no universally accepted guidelines for skin screening for young children. I usually suggest a screening if the child/young adult has many moles or some of the moles are growing or changing. After the initial (baseline) screening, I usually determine the necessity of follow-up based on the results of the exam.