Sports and Skin

background information
 
There are many skin disease that are associated with sports and athletic activities.  To be able to identify these disorders is important for many "active" and "on the go" patients.  This page will review some of the more common skin conditions that are associated with sports and physical activity. 

Dermatologists play a major role in  the prevention of skin disease due to sport activity.  Athletes are prone to several skin problems and not all of these are related to contact sports.  Some of the more common skin conditions  are those, for example, seen in athletes who run.  Simple friction can induce blisters or painful calluses on the feet.  In addition,  fat herniation of the feet,  referred to as piezogenic pedal papules, or wart development can occur.  Nails can also can become deformed due to trauma and, once this occurs, can pose a risk for fungal infections

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE SEEN WITH SPORT ACTIVITIES?

Swimmers who train or compete in pools can develop green discoloration of their hair due to exposure to copper.  Also, pseudomonas infection which can lead to a folliculitis, (bumps on the skin)  can  be seen in these types of water activities.  Patients who are involved in contact sports involving heavy equipment, such as football  or hockey, can develop acne over their back and chin where friction occurs.  Persistent sweating without evaporation can lead to bacterial accumulation within the follicles and then lead to bumps on the skin. Bicyclists are prone to develop saddle sores and hair loss from tightly worn helmets.

One of the most common ailments, however is sunburns, especially amongst long distance runners and triathletes. Sunscreens when applied  can wash off with sweating or during swimming events for triathletes. Taking time to tape small tubes of sunscreens to a bicycle or wearing a hat can help these athletes..

ARE THERE ANY OTHER TYPES OF INFECTION THAT CAN BE SEEN?
 
In some patients who are wrestlers, herpes infections or shingles like infection can be caused by friction of the skin rubbing against skin during wrestling matches.  This is also known as herpes gladiatorum.  Finally, there are many contact allergies that can occur due to plastics, leather exposures as seen in golfers who wear leather gloves or rubber allergies as seen in  race car drivers who  contact their hands with rubber steering wheel columns.  Other contact allergens that can be seen include patients who wear vinyl goggles as in swimming participants or even contact exposures to plastics that are in helmets or shoulder pads.  The latter allergies are seen as a result of the various polymers that are used to make plastic products. 

If you have any questions, or wish to schedule a consultation, please call  Ponte Vedra Dermatology & Aesthetic Surgery at (904) 285-7546 or email consultation@pvderm.com.