Hot and humid playing conditions and close proximity with other players and public, frequent travels and stay at different hotels make footballers a vulnerable group for a number of skin infections, including the bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Itching is the most prominent symptom, along with the red scaly patches on the body folds, in the fungal infections of the skin in soccer players. Nocturnal itching and typical body areas' involvement
Prevention and Treatment of the Fungal Skin Infections in Soccer Players
Sweating and frequent wetting of the body folds and occlusive dress and footwear predispose footballers to ringworm infestations. Prevention of these infestations can be helped by the following:
- To prevent fungal infections of the skin, after bathing, the body folds and the interdigital spaces between the toes should be scrupulously patted and dried up before putting on uniforms and soccer shoes.
- Any itching in the groin and between the toes and itchy palms and soles in soccer players calls for consultation with a physician, preferably a dermatologist.
- Oral antifungals like fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine may be prescribed by the dermatologist in recurrent and extensive ring worm infestations. In most cases, however, topical antifungal creams alone will suffice. These should be applied at least for a period of two to three weeks. To prevent recurrences, an antifungal powder may be dusted between the thighs and toes before the commencement of the soccer games.
- Pityriasis versicolor can be treated with weekly doses of fluconazole 150 mg and topical selenium sulfide lotion at night for two to three weeks’ duration.
- For intertrigo caused by friction of apposing thighs, emollient creams along with dusting powders will enhance the healing.
Prevention and Treatment of the Viral Skin Infections in Soccer Players
Close physical contact is the cause of transmission in viral skin infections in soccer players. General hygienic measures are important in preventing these infections, just as they are in the prevention of bacterial infections.
- Sharing of toilet slippers and scrubbing of the feet on the bathroom tiles should be avoided to prevent acquisition of plantar warts.
- Herpes simplex infections are treated with oral antiviral agents like acyclovir, famcyclovir or valacyclovir, for a period of one to two weeks. Soccer players with recurrent attacks of cold sores on the lips and the genitals should take prolonged course of these anti-virals, often up to a year.
- Molluscum contagiosum and plantar warts are removed through cryo- or electrocautery and application of topical immune modulators like imiquimod.
Prevention and Treatment of Mite Infestations in Soccer Players
A single overnight application of 5% Permethrin is curative for both body lice and scabies infestations. It is imperative to treat all family members to prevent recurrences, more so in scabies.
Treatment of fomites like bed sheets, blankets and dresses by dry cleaning or washing in hot water is also important to get rid of the scabies mites.
Early diagnosis and certain preventive measures are as important as medications in the management of fungal and viral skin infections and mite infestations in soccer players.
Management of Fungal and Viral Infections and Mite Infestations in Soccer Players: Related Articles
- Soccer Itches: Occupational Skin Diseases in Football Players
- Skin Infections and Infestations in Soccer Players
- Management of Bacterial Skin Infections in Soccer Players
References:
- Goodman RA et al. Infectious diseases in competitive sports. JAMA.1994; 271: 862–7.
- Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, 7th Edition, 2004
- Fitzpatrick's Color Atlas & Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Fifth Ed, 2005
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purposes only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, Dr.Hanish Babu, MD or Suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purposes only.
Hanish Babu - Dr.Hanish Babu, MD is a dermatologist and a feature writer on Suite101.com with more than 200 articles related to skin diseases on the ...
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