Cutaneous pathology in athletes.

The most common medical sufferings of athletes are found in the skin. Cutaneous pathologies can be classified into: infectious, allergic/inflammatory, traumatic, environment-related and tumoral. Skin infections are the most common skin diseases in athletes: fungal, viral or bacterial. The most frequent cutaneous pathology seen in athletes is tinea pedis, also called “athlete’s foot”; the plant and interdigital skin are the most exposed to this disease. It is estimated that at least 70% of the population have had an episode of tinea pedis during the course of life; the proportion in athletes is even higher due to additional risk factors: warm shoes, sweating, wet environmental conditions such as locker rooms and showers. It occurs more frequently in men and is slightly observed before puberty. Recognizing signs and symptoms of skin diseases in athletes and referral to the specialist is extremely important. Furthermore, knowledge of possible skin disorders that can occur in athletes compels technical staff to take measures for primary and secondary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]