Work-Related Dermatoses of the Feet in Professional Dancers: A Pilot Study

The feet of professional dancers are exposed to high work-related stresses. To date, data from the professional dance sector concerning this matter are lacking. The aim of this exploratory project was to analyze and evaluate skin health in the foot area with regard to the prevalence of dermatoses, their locations, as well as gender-specific and load-specific differences.

Professional classical and neo-classical ballet dancers were examined at two time points: in a phase with increased stress (T0: daily training sessions, rehearsals, and high performance frequency) (n=51, 35 females, 16 males) and after a 24-day rest phase (T1: n=35, 28 females, 7 males). In addition, gender-specific and load-specific (T0 and T1) differences were evaluated.

All professional dancers were affected by skin lesions of the feet at T0. Hyperkeratosis (96.1%), onychomycosis (27.5%), and subungual hematoma (11.8%) were the most frequent dermatoses of the feet of professional dancers. Onychomycosis affected the nails of the big toes in particular (right 15.7%; left 13.7%), and subungual hematomas were found exclusively on the nails of the first toe (right 7.8%; left 7.8%). Women tended to be more frequently affected by hyperkeratosis, men more frequently by onychomycosis. There were no load-specific differences between the stress and rest phases.

The prevalence of work-related dermatoses is equally high among female and male dancers. The results can be used for further research and serve as a basis for specific measures of behavioral and environmental prevention in dance.