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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a pivotal role in the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Numerous factors potentially place athletes at high risk for developing these cancers. Various prevention strategies ameliorate this risk, including avoiding sun exposure during peak UV exposure hours, applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or above before participating in outdoor sports, wearing hats and sunglasses, and reducing exposure with long pants and long-sleeve shirts. The literature, however, cites several barriers to these prevention approaches, including sports' competition rules, the lack of availability of sunscreen, and the lack of information about sun safety behaviors. Sun safety education programs prove effective in getting athletes to participate in prevention strategies. This article reviews the effect of UV radiation on athletes' skin and provides sports medicine clinicians with suggestions to improve the sun safety behaviors of their athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how to manage skin infections in athletes. The transmission of infections is attributed to interactions with other athletes and with the environment in which they compete. Application of warm water soak for 10 minutes three times daily is included in the treatment of individuals afflicted with bacterial infections.

Athletes commonly encounter skin problems as a result of their exercise endeavours. Many of these dermatoses are related to skin infections. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, atypical mycobacteria, and parasites may all hinder athletes' performances. Regular surveillance by athletes and coaches assists in promptly identifying these skin infections. Prompt therapy helps to thwart team epidemics. Prevention is paramount and includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. This review article reviews in detail the epidemiology of skin infections, the clinical presentation of skin infections, the management of skin infections, and the prevention of skin infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a case study associated with piezogenic pedal papules in a marathon runner. A 28-year-old woman was presented to the clinic for an unrelated condition with an incidental finding of multiple discrete, skin-colored, firm, painless papules on both heels visible only upon standing. The papules were present for many years with no new or enlarging papules. She noted that the papules were more pronounced the day after a long training run of greater than 15 miles. No biopsy was obtained, and a diagnosis of piezogenic pedal papules was made. The pain experienced in some cases of piezogenic pedal papules is thought to be caused by ischemia due to the extrusion of fat with its vasculature and associated nerves. The diagnosis of painful piezogenic pedal papules can be challenging. Clinicians may do multiple tests to identify the cause of foot pain in the athlete. Treatments of both painful and painless papules are often unsatisfactory and include surgery, heel cups, compression stockings, and acupuncture.