(21-06-10) Professional Bicycling: Hazardous to the Skin

MADRID (EGMN) ?With bicycle racing season now shifting into high gear in
Europe and the U.S., both the athletes and the devoted fans lining the course
are at increased risk for UV damage and skin cancer.
A survey of an international group of 64 elite professional cyclists conducted
during last August?s 10-stage Volta a Portugal?that country?s most important
cycling event?found only 60% regularly applied sunscreen before riding, and
just two-thirds of those who did made an effort to apply it to all exposed
skin, Dr. Osvaldo Correia reported at the 13th World Congress on Cancers of the
Skin, sponsored by theSkin Cancer Foundation.
Moreover, only 8% of the professional riders reapplied sunscreen during their
long days in the saddle, added Dr. Correia, a dermatologist at the University
of Porto (Portugal).
The survey respondents indicated they trained or raced for an average of 3-5
hours daily most of the year, almost always during the UV-intense hours of 11
am to 5 pm. More than half of the riders had followed such a schedule for 10-19
years.
Thirty-six percent of the riders reported having had a significant sunburn
during the first 8 months of 2009. The most common site was the arms, followed
by the face?especially the nose?and then the legs.
The rate of adherence to standard sun protection measures was considerably
low, given that all the top professional cycling teams are closely supported by
a medical staff.
In conducting his cyclist interviews at the Volta a Portugal, Dr. Correia
noticed many bad sunburns among the fans. Major bicycling races are huge social
events in which a party atmosphere prevails. Many cycling enthusiasts camp out
overnight to ensure they get a good viewing spot, and stay there for many hours
in the sun drinking, socializing, and awaiting the arrival of the peleton of
riders.
Dr. Correia suggested that race officials encourage fans to protect themselves
by using large hats, adequate clothing, sunglasses, and water-resistant
sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
He disclosed having no financial conflicts in connection with this study.

Fonte: univadis.it

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In evidenza

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Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.