NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- When the National Academy of
Science's Institute of Medicine recently announced that Americans should
exercise an hour a day to fight the country's growing obesity epidemic,
collective groans could be heard in big cities and small towns everywhere.
However, researchers advise that an exercise program -- supplemented by
dietary changes -- is vital in taking and keeping off weight that is
associated with many chronic health problems.
While endurance athletes represent the extreme end of the exercising
spectrum, dermatologists are anticipating that the sports-related dermatologic
injuries they encounter also will be observed in people who exercise more
moderately and those who are just beginning a fitness program.
Speaking today at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of
Dermatology, dermatologist Scott B. Phillips, M.D., of Chicago, Ill., and
commentator for the Dialogues in Dermatology article, "Dermatologic Problems
of the Endurance Athlete," published in the February 2005 issue of the Journal
of the American Academy of Dermatology, discussed why healthy skin is
important for athletes.
"Even common problems, such as blisters, can be painful and adversely
affect athletic participation and performance," stated Dr. Phillips. "If an
athlete is unable to compete at their expected level of training or
competition, it also can have psychological effects. Recognition of these
conditions is important as they are often preventable or treatable."
Blisters form when movement from athletic activity causes the skin to rub
against a toe or other object. Heat, moisture, ill-fitting shoes and
excessive or unusual exercises early in training are the most common causes of
blisters, which typically occur on the tips of the toes, the balls of the feet
and the heels. For this reason, blisters are the most common complaint of
marathon runners -- with one study reporting an incidence rate of up to 44
percent by Chicago Marathon runners on race day. Another study that evaluated
81,277 entrants in the Twin Cities Marathon over a 12-year period found that
skin problems were noted in 21 percent of the runners treated in the finish
line medical area.
Dermatologists can treat painful blisters by draining the fluid with a
sharp, sterile instrument. To prevent blisters, Dr. Phillips recommends
wearing moisture-wicking socks of synthetic materials which are thicker at the
toe and heel. "Shoes that fit appropriately are essential in preventing
blisters," said Dr. Phillips. "We're finding that using drying powders or
antiperspirants, petroleum jelly, or adhesive pads also reduce the incidence
of blisters."
For athletes who train or participate in outdoor sports, overexposure to
the sun -- which can lead to skin cancer and premature aging -- is a serious
threat. The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) recommends that
everyone, including athletes, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. Athletes also
should reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially during periods of
training and competition, such as a marathon or after the swimming leg of a
triathlon. In addition to wearing sunscreen, the Academy advises everyone to
wear protective clothing and avoid the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when
the sun's rays are the strongest, whenever possible.
Dr. Phillips also noted that athletes are prone to different skin
problems, depending on the nature of their sport. For example, runners often
experience corns, calluses, chafing and conditions known as "jogger's toe" and
"jogger's nipples." Swimmers may find themselves with allergic reactions to
the rubber components of earplugs and goggles. Bicyclists, on the other hand,
can be plagued by frictional hair loss and acne from wearing helmets,
superficial abrasions or "road rash" after a fall, and "saddle sores" from
prolonged riding or an ill-fitting seat.
While exercise is beneficial for everyone, it also has been shown to have
positive effects for patients with chronic skin disease, such as psoriasis and
atopic dermatitis. Along with increases in quality of life measures, the
patients who exercised experienced less depression and emotional disturbances.
"Although the benefits of exercise far outweigh any temporary dermatologic
conditions that may result, it is important for athletes and their doctors to
recognize these potential problems and take the necessary steps to prevent
them in the first place," said Dr. Phillips. "Because some skin problems can
be symptoms of serious health conditions, people should not take them for
granted. See your dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment,
especially if your skin looks unusual or if problems continue or worsen."
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology
(Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most
representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more
than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and
nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research
in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of
healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at
1-888-462-DERM (3376) or http://www.aad.org .
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.aad.org
CONTACT:
Aisha Ansari of American Academy of
Dermatology, +1-847-240-1735, aansari@aad.org
|
