Soccer players are more prone to many skin diseases due to the hot and humid conditions in which they practice and play throughout the year. Close contact with other soccer players and the physical effects from sweating, the playing turf and the soccer shoes all add to the risk of acquiring unique occupational skin diseases by the football players.
Clinical Classification of Occupational Dermatoses in Soccer Players
A working clinical classification of occupational skin diseases in football players would include the following:
- skin diseases caused by physical injuries
- skin infections and infestations with bacteria, virus, fungus and mites
- skin allergies
- physical effects on the skin from sweating, dehydration, the soccer shoes and other football accessories
Skin Problems in Soccer Players Caused by Physical Injuries
Direct physical injuries like abrasions and cuts on the skin while falling or slipping through the turf are the commonest skin problems faced by the football players on the field. Rigorous practice triggered by the high level of competition during local, national or FIFA World Cup matches increase the risk of physical injuries among the soccer players.
Contusions caused by direct kicks or contact with other body parts like elbows or head of other players can cause painful swellings in football players, often lasting for more than a couple of days.
Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and windy conditions can add to the physical damage to the skin and hasten the skin aging process in soccer players. Application of a sun protection cream during daytime football matches and a moisturizing cream during night games will help protect skin in such situations.
Skin Infections and Infestations in Soccer Players
These may be caused by bacteria, virus, fungus or mites. Close proximity with other soccer players, shaking hands with dozens of fans, frequent travels and stays in hotels, sharing of wash rooms, saunas etc increase the chances (in soccer players) of contacting these infections.
Boils caused by the MRSA occurs quite often as a community infection among football team members in colleges and high schools.
The commonest cause for the soccer itches, the athlete's foot, is caused by fungal infections of the feet due to prolonged use of occlusive footwear.
Scabies and body lice infestations are some other skin diseases seen among football and other competitive sports’ players as an occupational hazard.
Stringent hygienic measures and early treatment of infections is important in preventing and getting rid of these potentially contagious skin infections of soccer players.
Allergic Skin Diseases in Soccer Players
Allergic contact dermatitis from dust, soccer uniforms, stockings and footwear are the most common allergies seen among the football players. Dust allergies cause itchy skin rashes in the body folds and around the eyes. Many soccer players suffer from contact sensitization from deodorants as well.
Avoidance of the allergen, application of barrier creams and change of the offending material will help prevent these allergies. Treatment with topical or systemic corticosteroids will help get rid these skin allergies.
Physical Effects on the Skin of Soccer Players
Sweating and dehydration can cause the skin in soccer players to become dry and irritated. Proper intake of water and electrolytes, use of emollient, non-greasy moisturizers before and after each practice and game sessions will help avoid the after effects of excessive dry skin.
Continuous lateral pressure on the toenails from tight shoes can result in damage to the nail plate and ingrown toenails, especially on the great (big) toes in soccer players. The great toe nail becomes thickened, yellowish and thickened, a condition known as onychogryphosis. Selection of proper footwear and regular foot and nail care reduces the chances of nail damage in soccer players.
Soccer players as a professional group are indeed a high risk group for occupational skin diseases resulting from various infections, allergies and physical injuries.
Soccer Itches: Occupational Skin Diseases in Football Players: Related Articles
- Skin Infections and Infestations in Soccer Players
- Management of Bacterial Skin Infections in Soccer Players
- Management of Fungal and Viral Infections in Soccer Players
References:
- Begier ME et al. A High-Morbidity Outbreak of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Players on a College Football Team, Facilitated by Cosmetic Body Shaving and Turf Burns. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2004; 39:1446–53
- Susan E Manning et al. Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection in High School Football Players, New York City, 2003. Emerging Infectious Diseases. www.cdc.gov/eid. 11:1:146-149, 2005
- Goodman RA et al. Infectious diseases in competitive sports. JAMA.1994; 271: 862–7.
- Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology, 7th Edition, 2004
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, neither Dr.Hanish Babu, MD nor Suite101 will 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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