[Sports-associated dermatophytoses : An overview]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Sports Medicine
• Mycology

Background:

• Athletes have increased susceptibility to mycotic infections from dermatophytes due to high exposure and skin microtraumata.
• Close-contact sports like wrestling and judo are particularly prone to contagious infections caused by Trichophyton tonsurans (tinea gladiatorum).
• Environmental factors, including contaminated mats and asymptomatic carriers, contribute to the spread of dermatophytoses among athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the prevalence and risks of dermatophyte infections in athletes.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and treating conditions like tinea pedis.
• To discuss the potential for secondary bacterial infections and onychomycosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on fungal infections in athletic populations.
• Analysis of risk factors associated with different sports disciplines.
• Identification of common pathogens and transmission routes.

Main Results:

• Athletes are at higher risk for tinea pedis, often underdiagnosed and undertreated, with environmental contamination playing a role in children and adolescents.
• Tinea gladiatorum is a significant concern in close-contact sports, leading to potential epidemics.
• Increased risk of onychomycosis and secondary bacterial infections like erysipelas exists, with rare cases of zoophilic/geophilic dermatophyte infections.

Conclusions:

• Education, enhanced prevention strategies, and environmental decontamination are essential for controlling dermatophytoses in sports.
• Prompt recognition and treatment of primary infections are vital to prevent outbreaks.
• Addressing underdiagnosed conditions like tinea pedis is critical for athlete health.