Skin Problems in Athletics

Skin Problems in Athletics

Skin ProblemsSkin Problems are very common in sports. The skin is the largest organ in the body so that damage is ever present.

Skin damage can happen indoors or outdoors

Prevention is the key to not spreading skin conditionsAbrasionsA scrape of the superficial layer of skin (epidermis)

Abrasions commonly result in pain, burning sensation, and gradual tightening as the injury heals.

Abrasions are typically not serious but affects large areas of skin and if dirt or other substances get into the wound the threat of infection and scarring (tattooing) results.

Some abrasions are serious enough to be seen by a physicianLacerationsCommonly occurs as facial , extremity, and finger cuts

Initial treatment aimed at controlling bleeding

If cut is deep, long, or jagged, or if there is numbness seek medical attention immediately

Return to activity should be judged by and activity basis.Actinic Dermatitis (Sunburn)Defined as the destruction of skin cells caused by the suns ultraviolet light.

The symptoms are:1st degree pink to bright red skin2nd degree blisters3rd degree skin turns black or white and could have no feeling of painSunburnShould be treated depending on the severity.

Sunburn is one of the most easily preventable skin problems

Use an SPF of 25 to 45 for outdoor activities

Long term exposure can cause skin cancer1st Degree Sunburn

2nd Degree Sunburn

3rd Degree Sunburn

Miliaria (Prickly Heat)Common sports disorder of the skin for athletes that sweat profusely or wear heavy athletic equipment.

Symptoms are itching and burning

Common places are arms, torso or creases in the bodyPrickly Heat

Joggers NipplesCharacterized by painful chapfing of the areolae and nipple caused by friction.

Common cause coarse running shirts, men more prevalent than women because women wear bras

Shirts that are smooth or bandaids, petroleum jelly to ease chafingIntertrigo (Skin Chafing)Begins with a combination of heat and moisture that causes the skin to soften

Then friction and repeated rubbing makes the areas raw or chafed.

Chafing describes and area that oozes, then develops lesions that form a crusty crackling surfaceContact DermatitisCan be caused by a number of factors including equipment, deodorants, topical analgesics, and athletic tape resin

Symptoms develop within minutes, hours, and or days that include itching, redness, swelling and a rash that initially oozes, then crusts over.Contact Dermatitis

Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch)Mostly affects males

Symptoms are itchy red scaly patches or could develop to pus filled blisters

Usually found on groin, thighs or buttocks

Prevention is hygiene avoid lingering in wet clothing or swimsuits, lose weight

Treatment anti-fungal creamsJock Itch

Tinea Pedis (Athletes Foot)Depends on athletes susceptability

Fungus

Prevention Keep feet clean and dry, shoe powder, clean socks

Wear shower shoesAthletes Foot