Skin diseases of football and wrestling participants

This discussion has highlighted some of the cutaneous disorders that are found in football and wrestling participants in an exaggerated form. These disorders may occur in any person, of course, and are not limited to football or wrestling participants. Also, football and wrestling participants may have any cutaneous disorder; their disorders are not limited to those mentioned in this review. The dermatologist should be alert to contagous disorders in these participants, especially because of the close contact their activities necessitate and the potential epidemic spread of these disorders. One must also be alert to the possibility that a condition may be masked by the minor trauma of the sport. It is re-emphasized that these disorders are exaggerated because of the increased perspiration, heat, friction, secretion of fatty acids, body contact, special gear, climatic conditions, and trauma. Fortunately, the participants are normally healthy individuals who respond quickly to the appropriate therapy.