Skin Problems in the Long-Distance Runner 2500 Years After the Battle of Marathon

The document reviews skin problems prevalent among the more than 30 million regular American runners, categorizing them into trauma-related issues, infections, environmental hazards, inflammatory conditions, and neoplastic hazards. Blisters are the most common problem, with a prevalence of 0.2% to 39% in marathon runners. It provides preventive measures like proper footwear and moisture-wicking socks, and treatment strategies such as keeping blisters intact or sterile drainage. The review also covers conditions like nail dystrophy, subungual hematoma, talon noir, chafing, intertrigo, and jogger's nipple, offering various prevention and treatment recommendations. Additionally, it discusses issues like linear transverse baldness from heavy headphones, "Nike nodules," piezogenic papules, exercise-induced purpura, and traumatic plantar urticaria. Infections such as folliculitis, acne, tinea versicolor, herpes virus reactivation, warts, and tinea pedis are linked to the heat, sweat, and friction of running. Environmental hazards like actinic damage and cold injury, and other conditions such as contact dermatitis and exercise-induced urticaria or anaphylaxis are also mentioned. The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of physician awareness of these conditions for early diagnosis and education to help athletes avoid them.