A dermatological approach to the feet of soccer players

Abstract

Background: Soccer is a sport in which the feet are very susceptible to injuries and dermatological diseases. Present literature does not have much data about the possible dermatologic conditions occurring in soccer players and the associated factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dermatologic foot problems and associated factors in soccer players. Findings: We evaluated forty young soccer players and recorded dermatologic conditions localized to their feet. The skin and nail lesions were recorded by the site of occurrence, symmetry and diagnosis. Further mycological, bacteriological or other screening tests were done to clarify the diagnosis. Diagnoses were classified into 4 groups: bacterial infections, fungal infections, dermatoses and traumatic lesions. Associated factors were also evaluated in detail. The results of our study revealed that there were at least two dermatological problem in the feet of soccer players and the commonest problems were foot odor, fungal infections and traumatic lesions, respectively. Conclusion: As dermatological foot lesions are common in soccer players, regular evaluation of soccer players’ feet should be essential so as to identify skin problem, to treat them early and effectively in order to avoid deficits in performance.