Skin Problems in Athletics

1. Skin Problems in Athletics

2. Skin Problems • Skin 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 conditions

3. Abrasions • A 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 physician

4. Lacerations • Commonly 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.

5. Actinic Dermatitis (Sunburn) • Defined as the destruction of skin cells caused by the sun’s ultraviolet light. • The symptoms are: • 1st degree – pink to bright red skin • 2nd degree – blisters • 3rd degree – skin turns black or white and could have no feeling of pain

6. Sunburn • Should 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 cancer

7. 1st Degree Sunburn

8. 2nd Degree Sunburn

9. 3rd Degree Sunburn

10. 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 body

11. Prickly Heat

12. Joggers Nipples Characterized 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 chafing

13. Intertrigo (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 surface

14. Contact Dermatitis • Can 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.

15. Contact Dermatitis

16. 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 creams

17. Jock Itch

18. Tinea Pedis (Athletes Foot) • Depends on athlete’s susceptability • Fungus • Prevention Keep feet clean and dry, shoe powder, clean socks • Wear shower shoes

19. Athletes Foot