Abstract | March 23, 2023

Common Dermatologic Conditions in Athletes

Geetha Gowda, MS, BA

Mahant Malempati, BS, Medical Student, 2nd Year, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA; Victoria K Ierulli, MS, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA; Mary Mulcahey, MD, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.

Learning Objectives

  1. Provide an educational tool for sports physicians to identify common and uncommon dermatologic conditions seen in athletes.
  2. Differentiate between infectious, inflammatory, and traumatic dermatoses seen in athletes.
  3. Understand etiologies and treatment options for each category of sports dermatoses

Introduction

Sports dermatology focuses on dermatoses commonly encountered in athletes and sports medicine physicians commonly encounter these in athletes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for reducing additional clinic visits, procedures, and time to return to play. Therefore, it is necessary for sports medicine physicians to be aware of the clinical presentation and treatment options. The purpose of this study is to summarize the clinical presentations and treatment associated with common skin dermatoses in athletes. Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on dermatologic conditions in athletes. The following keywords were used to identify relevant pathologies: “cutaneous manifestations” “athletes” and “sports dermatology.” 23 dermatologic conditions commonly seen among athletes were identified and included. The etiology, treatments, and prevention of these conditions were extracted from the included studies. Results

Infectious diseases (bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic) comprise 8.5% of high school sports-related skin injuries and 20.9% of college sports-related injuries [1]. Most infections can be treated with topical or oral agents; however, infections that have progressed due to late intervention may require drainage or intravenous treatment [2]. Aside from infections, inflammatory dermatoses arise from a causative agent that cause conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, urticaria, exercise induced anaphylaxis, and sun-related skin neoplasms. For example, mercaptobenzothiazol in swimming caps has been shown to cause contact dermatitis and using a cap without this chemical helps prevent allergic reactions in athletes [3]. Additionally, sporting equipment can cause mechanical stress on the skin which can lead to traumatic dermatoses. For example, the heavy protective gear worn by football and hockey players has been identified as the etiology of acne mechanica in these athletes [4]. Conclusion

The results of this study were compiled to create a guide for sports physicians and surgeons who may encounter these dermatoses because these conditions have an impact on an athlete’s ability to return to play. It is crucial that sports physicians are aware of both common and uncommon skin dermatoses in athletes so treatment can be started promptly and accurately.

 

References

  1. Likness LP. Common dermatologic infections in athletes and return-to-play guidelines. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011;111(6):373-379. 2. Levy JA. Common bacterial dermatoses: protecting competitive athletes. Phys Sportsmed. 2004;32(6):33-39. 3. Adams BB. Dermatologic disorders of the athlete. Sports Med. 2002;32(5):309-321. 4. Kockentiet B, Adams BB. Contact dermatitis in athletes. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;56(6):1048-1055. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2006.12.025

 

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