Soccer shin guard reactions: allergic and irritant reactions

In spite of the worldwide popularity of soccer among youth and the common requirement of the use of protective shin guards, reports of allergy to shin guards is sparse. This is surprising in light of the fact that this equipment is often made of materials that are reported to cause allergies, and that friction and moisture from the use of these shin guards during the sport would seem to predispose soccer players to the development of an allergic response. We present eight patients that presented for evaluation of dermatitis under their shin guards--some of which had allergy to their shin guards and some of which were diagnosed as having an irritant reaction.