Common Skin Problems from Sports

Participating in sports is part of a healthy lifestyle, but there are a number of skin conditions that can result from these activities and hamper performance and enjoyment. Exercisers are prone to skin problems caused by increased moisture or friction or damaging elements like cold, sunlight, and infection. Common weather-related problems include frostbite, dry skin, sunburn, and fever blisters. Many of these can be prevented by keeping the skin dry, clean, and protected.

Sweating is one of the most common causes of sports-related skin disorders. Wet skin promotes the proliferation of otherwise normal skin bacteria and other microscopic organisms.

Foot odor, for example, is largely due to bacteria that thrive in a moist environment. Jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis) occur more often in moist conditions. Wear socks that are made of absorbent synthetic material to keep your feet drier, change your socks frequently. After exercising, wash and dry your feet, and air out your feet and your shoes between activities. To help avoid jock itch, keep the skin in the groin area as dry as possible. Work out in loose underwear and pants. Bathe and change into clean clothes as soon as possible.

Continued wearing of wet clothing after exercise also increases the risk of folliculitis,
a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. Infection can occur in many sports, especially those that involve direct skin contact. Wrestlers are particularly vulnerable to herpes simplex and a similar bacterial infection called impetigo. Infections like impetigo and bacterial folliculitis can also spread via surfaces like pads and handles on weight machines.

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. 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.

Those prone to fever blisters should apply a sunscreen-containing lip balm before going outdoors and then reapply it frequently. Very susceptible people may wish to consult their doctor about preventive drugs like acyclovir.

Friction is another common cause of skin problems. Chafing often occurs in areas where skin rubs clothing or another skin surface. Blisters typically appear in thicker, pressure-bearing areas such as the palms and soles. Friction from clothing can also cause an irritation, and even bleeding, of the nipples, often called jogger's nipples. Soft light acrylic clothing should be worn to avoid jogger's nipples. Bras decrease friction. Men can place adhesive bandages over the nipples to protect them.

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.