[Dermatologic disorders of the athlete: a report of 30 cases?]

Abstract

Background: Participation in athletic activities is associated with a variety of skin problems. We aimed to precise the most important sports related dermatoses in athletes.

Methods: We conducted transversal study on 30 athletes of 2 teams: one of soccer and the other of basketball players. For each athlete dermatological exam was practiced.

Results: 18 soccer players and 12 basketball players were enrolled; the mean age was about 25.3 years [18-35 years]. The results suggest that athletic activity seems to be a predisposing factor for cutaneous infections (87%) especially fungal infections (90%). Traumatic lesions were also frequent in our athletes (20/30), dominated by calluses and nail disorders (80%).

Conclusion: Sports-related dermatoses include infections, traumatic entities, allergic contact dermatitis, environmental encounters, exacerbation of preexisting dermatoses, thus regular dermatological screening of athletes is critical for rapid identification and treatment of dermatoses distrusting sport performance.