Tennis and Sun Damage
March 11, 2026, 7:16 AM
The 4 Types of Sun Damage Dermatologists See Most Often in Tennis Players
How Outdoor Sports Affect the Skin
Spending years playing or watching outdoor sports exposes the skin to significant ultraviolet radiation. Over time, dermatologists commonly see certain patterns of sun-related skin changes in athletes.
Understanding these conditions can help with early detection and prevention.
1. Actinic Keratoses (Precancerous Lesions)
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that develop from long-term sun exposure.
They most often appear on:
- The face
- Scalp
- Ears
- Forearms
- Hands
These lesions are considered precancerous because some can progress into squamous cell carcinoma if untreated.
2. Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer diagnosed by dermatologists.
It often appears as:
- A pearly or shiny bump
- A persistent pink patch
- A sore that does not heal
While basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to other organs, early treatment is important to prevent local tissue damage.
3. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is another skin cancer strongly linked to cumulative sun exposure.
It may appear as:
- Thick, scaly patches
- Firm red bumps
- Lesions that crust or bleed
This type of skin cancer can occasionally spread if untreated, which is why dermatologists emphasize early diagnosis.
4. Photoaging (Premature Skin Aging)
Long-term sun exposure also contributes to photoaging, which includes:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Uneven pigmentation
- Brown spots (solar lentigines)
Unlike natural aging, photoaging is largely driven by ultraviolet radiation and can often be prevented with consistent sun protection.
Protecting Your Skin Long Term
Whether you play tennis regularly or spend time watching matches outdoors, consistent sun protection is key to maintaining healthy skin.
Dermatologists recommend:
✔ Daily sunscreen use
✔ Reapplication every two hours outdoors
✔ Wearing hats and sunglasses
✔ Scheduling regular skin examinations
✔ Reapplication every two hours outdoors
✔ Wearing hats and sunglasses
✔ Scheduling regular skin examinations
Preventative care and early detection remain the most effective strategies for protecting long-term skin health.
