Lichenoid dermatitis in 3 professional footballers

Abstract

We describe 3 professional footballers who developed lichenoid dermatitis over a short period of time. Clinically, the eruption in all 3 of them can be classified as lichenoid photodermatitis. We suggest an influence of possible contact allergens or photo-active substances. Histologic evidence points to features of classical lichen planus with purpura, typical of lichen aureus (purpuricus), but showing some clinical and morphological differences.

Contact dermatitis in athletes

“…Histologic specimens revealed a lichenoid pattern, suggesting the possibility of a photolichenoid dermatitis related to contact with some unidentified plant on the playing field. 65 Shin pads can also cause contact dermatitis in soccer players. One young soccer player developed bilateral ACD of the shins as a result of urea-formaldehyde resin in his shin pads.…”

Allergy and sports

“…Lichenoid photodermatitis in footballers (108) and dermatitis due to formaldehyde resins in athletic tape have been also described (109).…”

Defining lichenoid photodermatitis

“…Other agents found were thioridazine, 12 fenofibrate, 13 hydrochlorothiazide, 14,15 diltiazem, 16 isoniazid, 17 demeclocycline, 18 pathernium hysterophorus, 19 torsemide, 20 enalapril, 21 nimesulide, 22 diflunisal, 23 ethambutol, 24 pyrazinamide, 25 chlorpromazine, 26 carbamazepine, 27 leflunomide, 28 fluorouracil, 29 clopidogrel, 30 and musk ambrette 31 (Table 1). Three of these cases were idiopathic 33 . The time of exposure of the agent prior to developing the skin lesions was from 2 weeks to 4 years, with a peak at 1 month.…”