Common Sports Skin Conditions

We are all familiar with one common sports issue on our skin, painful blisters, or callouses caused by chafing. If not cared for, they can also lead to secondary impetigo, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, even sepsis.

Good foot hygiene and footwear should assist, along with reducing moisture from perspiration. Covering and padding is worthwhile, along with sterile drainage of larger blisters and a suitable dressing, without removing the blister roof.

There can be times where topical treatments will help and if the skin condition continues to worsen, or there may be infection, seeing a dermatologist makes sense.

Requiring Medical Support

Transient injuries are not always minor, such as blisters, or knuckle pads from boxing. They are often benign, benefiting from a little care and temporary cessation but can require surgical intervention, or laser treatment.

Seek medical advice for these as needed, although for a number of other conditions, early specialist support will prove essential:

Acne Mechanica – Also known as sports induced acne, acne mechanica arises from a combination of heat, pressure, friction and skin blockage.

Areas covered by protective equipment, such as helmets, or straps on the body, or chin are at risk. Repetitive action plays a part, even carrying a golf bag. Changing routine, or kit can assist, although medical care is likely to be required.

Treatment of acne mechanica is similar to other forms of acne. Topical treatments are a possibility, or antibiotics, isotretinoin capsules, laser, or other light based therapy, or chemical skin peels and microdermabrasion.

Contact Dermatitis – Dermatitis often arises from contact with an external agent. This could be swimming pool water, weight benches, or kit you wear, such as shoes, wet suits, gloves, shin pads, each sport has unique possibilities.

Repeated activity trauma and excess moisture, or heat can heighten dermatitis. Beyond your medical history, understanding your individual activity will matter.

Alongside visual diagnosis, patch testing can help to identify a specific allergen. Topical or oral corticosteroids, or antihistamines often assist, antibiotics could be needed for any secondary infection.

Black Heel (Talon Noir) – Similar to black palm (tache noir) and caused by repeated trauma to the area. This brings an internal haemorrhage, in places where blood vessels are not well protected by your skin.

Drainage plus keeping the area sterilised can be sufficient, although there will be times to seek medical support, along with clarity.

These injuries can be confused with melanoma, you need to be sure. The same applies to what is often called joggers toe. A trauma induced blackness on the toe, or under the nail, common in runners, or hikers.

Fungal & Viral Infection – A mixture of a shared, often unideal environment and physical contact bring a wide risk. Impetigo, MRSA, herpes, folliculitis, scabies, tinea, or ringworm can be transmitted during sports activity.

Diagnosis naturally needs to be individual, with treatment tailored to this. Rarer conditions need to be identified and cared for accordingly but in the majority, topical, or oral anti-fungal agents will suffice.

Special soaps can also help, as will a safe approach to prevent transmission. Avoid sharing towels, or personal kit, choose a location which focuses on cleanliness, keeping air fresh and temperatures stable.

Sun Related Conditions – Which can include serious sunburn, patches of darkened skin known as solar lentigines, the onset of wrinkles over time, or premalignant issues such as actinic keratosis.

Topical treatment, or intense pulsed light therapy, or lasers can successfully treat pigmentation issues and signs of ageing. The longer term effects of the sun’s UV rays will often require additional care.

All forms of skin cancer, including basal, or squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma largely arise from previous sun exposure. The effect is heightened in sports, by the way sunlight interacts with sweat, water, or snow.

Sports participants need to take particular care and if they see sudden changes to their skin, they should seek a specialist opinion. Skin cancer treatment can be 100% effective in the early stages, not so if allowed to develop too far.

Water Related Conditions – Swimming and other aquatic sports feel cleansing but can dry the skin, along with all too common hot showers, or tubs afterwards. Moderation and good moisturising can solve this but the water holds other risks.

Bacteria in fresh, or salt water can cause granuloma, typically evident as papules on the knees, elbows, hands, or feet. Similar papules, or postules could indicate folliculitis and arise from the use of hot tubs, or whirlpools.

Staphylococcus aureus is another water borne danger, along with a range of possibilities according to location, or country. Each will need accurate identification and treatment, from antibiotics, to antihistamines, or corticosteroid therapy.

The onset of dermatitis, or allergic reactions is quite prevalent in water sports, from the water itself, flatworm larvae, equipment, or swimwear. Patch testing may be useful and the majority of conditions can be treated successfully.

Wider Ranging Issues – We mentioned sports related skin conditions which are often seen, although others are not far behind. Damage below the skin known as cutaneous hernia can bring papules, or patches on the surface, as can urticaria, or erythema.

Overheating plays a key part in sports based skin conditions, anaphylaxis can ensue in rare cases. There is also evidence that bodily changes during activity may make a difference to skin cancer incidence, or signs of ageing.

Each condition needs carefully defining, perhaps to rule out hormonal, or fungal causes, or to understand individual issues and history. An experienced sports dermatologist will be able to help with any issues and see you active again.