Medical Issues in American Football: Eyes, Teeth, and Skin

The American Journal of Orthopedics. 2016 September;45(6):377-382

September 1, 2016 | The American Journal of Orthopedics

Bruce J. Thomas II ; MD; Garry W. K. Ho ; FACSM ; FAAFP; Timothy J. Yu ; MD; Michelle I. Henne ; MD

Providing care to football players often involves recognizing and treating nonorthopedic conditions. We report on common ophthalmologic, dental, and dermatologic conditions seen by the football team physician.

Tinea Corporis

Tinea corporis is a common superficial fungal infection of the body. It classically presents as pruritic, annular lesions, with well-demarcated borders and central clearing (Figure 6).

The periphery is often scaly. Evaluating a skin scrapping via culture or with potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation may be helpful when a diagnosis is uncertain. Allylamines may be more efficacious than azoles. For small areas, topical agents should be sufficient, whereas larger areas may better respond to oral agents. This infection requires 72 hours of treatment, absence of new active lesions, and covering with a bio-occlusive dressing before return to play. Athletes with extensive lesions may need to be disqualified from contact sports activities.

Tinea Cruris

Commonly known as “jock-itch,” this fungal infection is often very pruritic and involves the groin or genital region. The area is also inflamed and scaly. Treatment usually consists of topical allylamines or azoles. Allylamines amines are often preferred, as they require a shorter duration of treatment. There are no specific guidelines on the return to play with these athletes. Clearance is at the team physician’s discretion, but usually there are no restrictions. Athletes with extensive lesions may need to be disqualified from contact sports activities.

References

Download Article