Sport-related skin conditions: Traumatic and inflammatory dermatoses

Athletes are at risk of developing dermatologic conditions, particularly traumatic and inflammatory dermatoses, owing to the physical and environmental stresses associated with sports participation. As sports participation continues to increase worldwide, recognition of these conditions has become increasingly important for dermatologists and sports medicine professionals.

To review the epidemiology, clinical presentations, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches for common traumatic and inflammatory dermatoses encountered in athletes.

A comprehensive literature search was completed using a combination of keywords: "sports," "traumatic," "inflammatory," "skin," and "dermatoses." The authors reviewed all studies and included those that addressed the topic of the review.

Traumatic dermatoses represented the most frequently reported conditions. Inflammatory dermatoses primarily included contact dermatitis and lichen simplex chronicus. Many conditions demonstrate sport-specific patterns related to repetitive friction, pressure, direct trauma, moisture, or exposure to athletic equipment. Preventive measures include proper equipment fit, reduction of friction and moisture, and use of protective barriers, while treatment strategies ranged from wound care and topical therapies to procedural interventions.

Sports participation is associated with a broad spectrum of traumatic and inflammatory skin disorders that may affect athlete comfort, performance, and participation.