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The Skin Struggle: 3 Chronic Skin Conditions Found in Athletes

Did you know that over 85 million Americans deal with a skin disease or condition?

Whether it’s a stubborn case of acne or a rash that appeared out of nowhere, dealing with questionable skin issues can be stressful.

Curious about some chronic skin conditions that athletes struggle with? Concerned you may have one yourself? Keep reading below for three of the top culprits!

1. Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is common for males. There are three main types. Chronic interdigital is the most common. Symptoms include scaling and fissures within the skin. Tight shoes lead to warm and wet conditions that lead to the condition.

Chronic Scaly is a type of athlete’s foot common in those who deal with eczema and asthma. It is characterized by dry and scaly skin. Interestingly enough, it can show up on the hands too!

Acute Vesicular athlete’s foot isn’t very common and is caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It begins with painful blisters caused by a fungus.

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be handled with topical creams.

2. Staph Chronic Skin Conditions

The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus causes a few different types of skin infections. Athletes with a lot of skin-to-skin contacts are especially at risk for MRSA, which is a type of staph infection.

The scary thing about MRSA is that it is resistant to many first-line defense antibiotics. These infections typically present as a pimple or boil that can be red and warm to the touch. There may be pus or fluid too.

Football players and wrestlers are particularly prone to staph infections. Any wound or open sore puts you at risk. Consider using proper products like Squirrel’s Nut Butter to keep your skin moisturized and prevent chafing.

3. Ringworm

One final, yet common skin issue athletes deal with is ringworm. This is a fungal infection that can spread from person to person but also spread by animals.

Someone who picks up ringworm will likely notice a red rash in the shape of a ring on their body. Topical creams can handle spots on the body.

Ringworm can also present itself on the scalp. It will look flaky and dry. If you have it on your scalp, oral medication will likely be needed.

Easy Ways to Protect Yourself

Always wear shower shoes in shared showers. Many infections spread through contact with bare feet. Be sure to wash all your athletic items frequently and avoid sharing items like clothes, helmets, and socks.

Never participate with any open wounds either.

If you do notice a concerning spot on your skin, get checked early. The sooner you catch an infection, the easier it will be to get rid of it.

Enjoy Athletics Without Skin Concerns

Athletes are at risk for many injuries, but most people forget about the chronic skin conditions they deal with. While rashes and infections can be painful and embarrassing, it’s important to remember they are normal.

Looking for more helpful information for athletes? Check out these awesome fitness tips!