Analysis of Dermatologic Disorders Occurring in Major League Baseball Players

Main Article Content

Alex M. Glazer
Aaron S. Farberg
Stephen Donohue
Darrell S. Rigel

Keywords

baseball, dermatology, disease distribution, sports medicine

Abstract

Objective: To determine distribution of dermatologic disease among major league baseball (MLB) players and compare the distribution to that seen in the general population.

Design: Cross Sectional Survey

Setting: Data was collected via anonymous, online, randomized survey in January 2017.

Participants: Head athletic trainers for 25 MLB teams

Main Outcome Measures: The distribution of dermatologic disease encountered by MLB athletic trainers for players versus non-player personnel.

Results: The 3 most commonly encountered dermatologic conditions for MLB trainers among baseball players were blisters, contact dermatitis, and nail problems including onychomycosis. In contrast, the 3 most common dermatoses seen among the non-player personnel control group were rash, tinea, and concerning skin lesion which more closely resembled the distribution of skin diseases among the general population.

Conclusions: MLB players experienced a different mix with a greater proportion of mechanical, infectious, and contact related skin conditions likely due to the baseball-related activities that impact on these athletes’ skin on a day-to-day basis. The prevalence of the dermatologic disorders noted in the study reinforces the importance of focused dermatologic education for trainers to enhance player care.

Keywords: baseball; MLB; dermatology; disease distribution; blisters; contact dermatitis; mechanical skin injury; elite athletes

References

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