Caught out by the Skin

ICC Women’s World Cup - England v New Zealand - New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr in action REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Cricket places unique demands on the skin, nails, and soft tissues. While musculoskeletal injuries dominate discussions in cricket medicine, skin problems – be it sticky, sweaty, or more serious conditions - are highly relevant for player confidence, health, and performance. These dermatologic conditions range from minor traumatic to infectious and neoplastic. Players are frequently exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sweat, trauma, infection, and potential allergens. Specifically, contact dermatitis in cricket players may arise from adhesives, protective gear, linseed oil, acrylates, or leather tanning agents. More frequently, contact dermatitis is usually due to irritants like repetitive water exposure (such as repetitive, prolonged outdoor exposure in wet conditions). Underlying atopy (a tendency towards hayfever, asthma, and eczema) increases susceptibility. 

Solar damage is ubiquitous, manifesting as sunburn, actinic keratoses, photoaging, and keratinocyte cancers or melanoma. Preventive strategies include wide-brim hats, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and long-sleeved collared shirts or performance UV sleeves. Secondary prevention via regular self-surveillance and scheduled skin checks is vital for early detection of skin cancer. Oral nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) has an emerging role in reducing keratinocyte cancers in those with a prior history.

Addressing the Most Concerning Skin Issue

Despite the perception of cricket as a relatively safe sport, prolonged sun exposure places players at substantial risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Programs pioneered by the Australian Cricketers Association and later adopted by Cricket Australia have identified numerous early lesions among elite players. While mortality is relatively low, high rates of melanoma-in-situ and keratinocyte skin cancers underscore the burden of UV exposure in cricket⁽¹⁾. More recently, several contracted Australian players have been diagnosed with melanoma, most at an early and curable stage. Darker-skinned players have a lower risk but are not exempt from melanoma.