Contact:Missy Gough, (847) 240-1734 [email protected]
Karen Klickmann, (847) 240-1735[email protected]
Jennifer Gale, (847) 240-1730[email protected]EMBARGOED UNTIL OCTOBER 18, 2000
COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS FROM SPORTS CAN SIDELINE ATHLETES IF LEFT UNTREATED
NEW YORK (October 18, 2000) -- For most teenagers, participating in sports is as much a part of their high school experience as dating and studying for exams. But what many athletes may not realize is that the sports they play -- whether it is football, wrestling, tennis or swimming -- may be the cause of a number of skin conditions that could hinder their ability to perform to their full potential.
Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's Derm Update 2000, dermatologist Rodney Basler, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine (Dermatology), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, discussed the prevalence and treatment of skin conditions, such as blisters, warts, acne and rashes, that are common to all athletes.
"While physical activity is good for the body as a whole, these same activities can contribute to problems with the skin," said Dr. Basler. "But the good news is that most of these skin problems are easily diagnosed and, with proper medical attention, need not detract from athletic participation or performance."
Blisters
Most athletic activities include movements that may cause the skin to develop heat and friction against athletic equipment. Compounded by perspiration, this friction commonly results in blisters that can be quite painful and diminish the athlete's ability to compete.
"In a recent study, we found that more athletes at the U.S. Open tennis tournament frequented the first aide station for skin problems than for all other problems combined," explained Dr. Basler. "Because of the nature of the sport, blisters are a primary culprit for tennis players."
To prevent blisters, athletes should keep the skin well lubricated to help reduce friction. Tennis players often use petroleum jelly on their feet, and a study in the August 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) found that applying antiperspirant on the bottom of feet prior to athletic activity may actually prevent blisters. Another preventative step to avoid blisters include wearing acrylic socks rather than cotton socks because they actually eliminate friction and whisk perspiration away from the skin, keeping it as dry as possible.
Acne Mechanica
Acne mechanica is a form of acne seen in athletes that is a result of heat, pressure, occlusion, and friction. It usually occurs in areas such as the shoulders, back and head that are covered by protective gear. Tight synthetic clothing or equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads are primary culprits of acne mechanica in football and hockey players.
Prevention and treatment of acne mechanica include obvious measures such as wearing a clean T-shirt made of cotton or a material that whisks away moisture against the skin or underneath a uniform, washing the affected areas immediately following athletic activity, and applying a keratolytic solution -- such as one containing salicylic acid and resorcinol -- directly to the rash.
"Acne mechanica can be particularly upsetting to athletes because it is often unsightly and the athlete may not even have a pre-existing acne condition to develop it," said Dr. Basler.
Boils
A boil is a skin infection, usually of a hair follicle, caused by common bacteria. Wrestlers are particularly susceptible to boils because as they sweat, their skin comes in contact with athletic mats -- which may harbor bacteria when they are not properly cleaned after use -- or other wrestlers who can transmit the infection.
Dr. Basler warns that boils should not be squeezed, as this will spread the infection. While warm compresses can relieve the pain, athletes should see a dermatologist if the boil does not drain by itself.
Green Hair
A common problem unique to swimmers is the greenish tinge that their hair may develop from long-term exposure to swimming pool water. This reversible pigmentary change occurs only in swimmers with natural or tinted blond, gray or white hair.
"Green hair is actually not caused by chlorine as often assumed, but rather by copper ions -- with chlorine possibly acting as a bleach," explained Dr. Basler. "While this condition poses no serious medical concern, it can be extremely upsetting for swimmers because the green tinge is so noticeable and without proper treatment will continue as long as the hair is exposed to the pool water."
Treatment of green hair includes applying a 2 percent to 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution and leaving it in the hair for 30 minutes to remove the color. Also effective is the use of commercial chelating agents applied after swimming, which will solve the problem without bleaching the hair.
Sunburns
Perhaps one of the most damaging effects of participating in outdoor sports is the threat of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. Baseball, golf and tennis players often play during the midday sun, when the sun's damaging rays are the strongest. In fact, several bad sunburns during childhood may predispose a person to skin cancer.
"Skiers and hikers also need to be aware that the higher the altitude, the faster they will develop a sunburn," cautioned Dr. Basler.
To ward against skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher -- even on cloudy days, wear protective clothing, and avoid the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenever possible.
"Athletes can avoid many of the these common skin problems by practicing an ounce of prevention," said Dr. Basler. "Practice basic hygiene, stay dry, change to clean athletic uniforms as often as possible, make sure that shoes and sports equipment fit properly, and always use sunscreen outdoors. If a problem persists, see a dermatologist."
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of over 13,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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