Review: Aquatic Sports Dematoses. Part 2 – In the Water: Saltwater Dermatoses

Abstract

The second part of this three-part series on water-related dermatoses will discuss dermatologic conditions seen in athletes exposed to saltwater. The vast majority of the following dermatoses result from contact with organisms that inhabit saltwater, including bacteria, cnidarians, and echinoderms. This review also will include other dermatoses affecting saltwater athletes and should serve as a guide for dermatologists, sports medicine physicians, and other medical practitioners in recognition and treatment of these dermatoses.

Beach Feet: A Sand-associated Thermal Injury to the Soles of the Feet and the Plantar Aspect of the Toes

“…Injury can result from skin penetration, stings or envenomation. Coral and sponges can also cause abrasions and dermatoses [17][18][19][20].…”

“…Cutaneous adverse events can occur in participants of aquatic sports [1]. The causative activity can be located either at a pool or on the beach or in the water [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. A 27-year-old man who developed beach feet (hot sand-associated superficial thermal burns on the soles of his feet and the plantar aspects of his toes after running with his dog on the beach) is described, and other beach sports-related dermatoses are summarized.…”

Skin Rash as the Only Manifestation of Mild Decompression Sickness

“…Institution of hyperbaric oxygen therapy should not delay the performance of complementary tests (complete blood count, full biochemistry, gasometry, electrocardiogram, chest radiograph). 1,6,7 It may also be necessary to administer fluid therapy with saline solution to treat hypovolemia and antiplatelet therapy to counteract platelet aggregation. Associated complications should also be treated.…”

Water‐related dermatoses

“…Arrows: leading factors; Scissors: treatment strategies Table 4 Marine dermatoses. [43][44][45][46][47] All cutaneous injuries resulting from marine water exposure are listed in addition to the causative organism, the mechanism of injury, treatment, and geographic location when applicable Table 5 Freshwater dermatoses. 43,48,49 All cutaneous injuries resulting from freshwater exposure are listed in addition to the causative organism, the mechanism of injury, treatment, and geographic location when applicable exposure.…”