Photoprotection practices, knowledge and sun-related skin damage in Spanish beach handball players

Introduction

The incidence of skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) is increasing at a rate higher than that of any other malignancy, worldwide, (Leiter, Eigentler & Garbe, 2014) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main preventable cause of skin cancer. Two patterns of solar risk exposure have been identified: the first is occupational, chronic and cumulative, and related to an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma; the second is recreational, acute and intermittent, and associated with an increased risk of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma (Armstrong & Kricker, 2001; Molho-Pessach & Lotem, 2007). Sun-related damage that occurs during the first years of life plays a decisive role in the development of skin cancer in later life. Sunburn in childhood and adolescence is the main risk factor for melanoma (Armstrong, 2004).

Up to 80% of recorded cases of skin cancer could be prevented by reducing sun exposure and through the use of protective measures against ultraviolet radiation, such as sunscreen cream, headwear, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts, when activities are carried out outdoors on sunny days (Stanton et al., 2004).

The means of photoprotection most commonly adopted, by all age groups, is the use of sunscreen (Stanton et al., 2004). However, many people apply it insufficiently or incorrectly, thus increasing their exposure to the sun and heightening the risk of sunburn (Hall et al., 2001; Autier, Boniol & Dore, 2007). Epidemiological studies have shown that the use of photoprotective cream significantly reduces the risk of actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinomas (Green et al., 1999). Another relevant factor is that of education background, which can be a significant predictor of sunburn. People with secondary or university education report the highest number of sunburn events, due to the social pressure of the aesthetics of tanning (De Troya-Martin et al., 2018). Moreover, although there are differences between adults, adolescents and children regarding sun exposure, most surveys in this area have shown that very few people protect themselves sufficiently from the sun and therefore the prevalence of sunburn tends to be very high (Dobinsson & Hill, 2004; Toro-Huamanchumo et al., 2019). Most research in this field is based on health surveys measuring self-reported behaviour concerning exposure habits and photoprotection practices during outdoor sports, focused on skaters (Fernandez-Morano et al., 2017), cyclists (Petty, Knee & Joseph, 2013), surfers, tennis, hockey and football players (Lawler et al., 2007) and aquatics athletes (De Castro-Maqueda et al., 2019).

New outdoor sports at the beach such as beach handball are growing popularity among young people as shown by the increase in participation in youth championships events (International Handball Federation, 2018). Therefore, many young people spend long periods of time outdoors and usually without adequate protection from the sun. The radiation they receive while playing on the beach is particularly high, because the direct radiation of the sun’s rays is reflected by the surfaces of seawater and sand. In addition, sweat reduces the effectiveness of sun cream. In consequence, beach handball players are at particularly high risk of sunburn and, in the future, of skin cancer and accelerated aging of the skin, being likely to suffer changes in skin pigmentation and the early appearance of wrinkles in exposed areas.

The aim of the present study is to examine the photoprotection habits of beach handball players and to determine the association between the time spent playing outdoors, the protective measures adopted and the sun damage apparent on their skin.

Materials & Methods

This cross sectional study is based on a health survey of sun exposure and protection habits and practices conducted among beach handball players in southern Spain. After the interviews, a total cutaneous examination using dermoscopy and Wood lamp illumination was performed by a dermatologist to identify potentially malignant lesions.

All data were recorded anonymously and treated in strict compliance with Spanish data protection laws (Law 41/2002 of 14 November and Law 15/1999 of 13 December).

Results

A total of 129 players participated in this study. Of these, 5 were excluded as the parental consent were not provided. The questionnaires were answered by 124 players. After analysing the questionnaire responses, three participants were excluded because one or more questions was not answered. The final sample involved 121 beach handball players. The study sample was divided into two groups depending on the category in which the participants competed: group I, composed of university students (n = 73, 40 men, 54.8% and 33 women, 45.2%) and group II, composed of younger players (n = 48, 41, and 85.4% boys and 7 girls, 14.6%). The physical characteristics of both groups are shown in Table 1.

Among the players in both groups, 57.5% had less than two hours of sun exposure from Monday to Friday, and 31.5% during the weekend. However, 76.9% had suffered at least one sunburn with consequences lasting more than a day during the previous year. By groups, 73.97% of group I and 81.25% of group II had suffered at least one sunburn during the previous year and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). With respect to their sun exposure on hot summer days, the groups differed in their use of sunscreen, headwear and sunglasses and in their wish to become tanned (Table 2).

The most common skin colour was light brown (Group 1, 28 players; Group II, 32 players). By Fitzpatrick skin type, 25 players in Group I were type III and 48 were type IV. In Group II, 20 players were type III and 28 players were type IV.

Very few conducted self examination of the skin; thus, 94.5% of those in Group I and 87.5% of those in Group II had not examined their body for skin lesions during the last year.

In sports practice and training, there were significant differences between the groups (p = 0.002), with the players in Group II spending significantly more time in this respect. Approximately half of the players in each group did not apply sunscreen when training or competing (Group I, 49.3%; Group II, 56.3%). Among those who did, 68.5% of Group I and 66.7% of Group II used sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or higher, but 52.1% of Group I and 35.4% of Group II did not reapply it.

With respect to knowledge about sun exposure, there were significant differences between the groups (see Table 3).

Evidence of sun damage to the skin was basically in the form of lentigines and freckles (Table 4). In this respect, there were no significant differences between the groups. The results for the Glogau photo-aging scale showed that 97.3% of the players in Group I and 100% of those in Group II were type I, reflecting the youth of the participants.

Discussion

This study was conducted to examine the sun-related habits and knowledge of beach handball players. The participants completed a questionnaire in this respect, and the information obtained was complemented by a dermatological examination, to identify sun-related damage. Analysis revealed inadequate photoprotection habits among these players, which is worrying in view of the growing popularity of outdoor sports and hence participants’ increased exposure to UV rays and greater risk of suffering skin lesions.

The majority of the handball players in this study reported having suffered a sunburn event during the previous season, either in competition or in training, which is in line with research findings for players of other sports (Bränstrom et al., 2010; De Castro-Maqueda et al., 2019; Fernandez-Morano et al., 2017). However, the participants in our study reported higher rate of sunburn compared with other populations ( De Troya-Martin et al., 2016; De Troya-Martin et al., 2018; Toro-Huamanchumo et al., 2019).

Our study shows that age is an important factor. The younger players were more likely to suffer sunburn, with 45.8% reporting having suffered two or more burns during the last season, which is comparable with the high rates of sunburn among adults and adolescents reported in previous studies (Davis et al., 2002; Fernandez-Morano et al., 2014; Lawler et al., 2007).

Younger players make significantly less use of sunscreen than university students. Thus, 56.3% and 49.3%, respectively, never use sunscreen on the face when training/competing. Nevertheless, these figures are higher than those found elsewhere; in the USA, only 15% of university-age athletes use sunscreen. Among other reasons suggested for the low level of use of sunscreen, the participants in our study mentioned forgetfulness and discomfort (Fernandez-Morano et al., 2014). Nevertheless, a previous study, based on young people, reported that young athletes make significantly more use of sunscreen than non-athletes (Lawler et al., 2012).

With respect to the reapplication of sunscreen, the results differed according to age. Thus, 52.1% of the university-age players did not reapply sun protection cream, compared to 35% of the beginners. This question is of great importance, as the reapplication of sunscreen is almost as important as the first use, and it should be reapplied after 30 min to ensure adequate protection (Hamant & Adams, 2005).

Two-thirds of the total sample used sunscreen with a protection factor of 30 or more, which is a better result than has been found for skaters, among whom only 20% use creams with a protection factor greater than 15 (Cohen, Tsai & Puffer, 2006; Jinna & Adams, 2013).

Although the participants spend many hours exposed to the sun in training and competition, this time is slightly less than that recorded for other athletes such as surfers or skaters (Diffey, 2001; Fernandez-Morano et al., 2017; De Castro-Maqueda et al., 2019). With respect to the use of shade to protect the skin from the sun, our results are similar to those reported for practitioners of other outdoor sports (Lawler et al., 2007; Petty, Knee & Joseph, 2013).

Our analysis showed there were significant differences in the use of sunglasses between the two study groups, a finding we consider to be normal, as the players in Group II are very young, and so do not usually wear glasses. On the other hand, we were unable to compare our results with those for other sports, because in many cases players are not allowed to wear sunglasses during competition, for safety reasons.

With respect to knowledge about the sun and its impact on the skin, research has shown that although athletes with fewer educational qualifications report a greater awareness of cancer, those with more education have a higher incidence of melanoma (Clegg et al., 2009).

The findings of this study show the need to improve photoprotection practices, through educational interventions that motivate young people to use photoprotective suncream (Pagoto, McChargue & Fuqua, 2003) and to learn how to apply it correctly (20 min before sun exposure, in appropriate quantity -2 mg/cm2- and reapply every 2 h and after bathing) to ensure its effectiveness (Wright, Wright & Wagner, 2001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that beach handball players are exposed to potentially harmful UV rays and that many were affected by sunburn during the last playing season. Therefore, it is necessary to raise awareness among this population of the dangers faced in this respect and of the direct relationship between excessive exposure to the sun and the development of skin cancer. A change is needed, both in exposure habits and in protection attitudes, via awareness campaigns and education in healthy lifestyles, especially for younger players. Finally, parents, trainers and educators should teach and demonstrate good skin care practices.