Athletes go through a lot of stress to regularly give out their best performance: tough gym workouts, team practices, and, of course, spill out a lot of sweat after doing rigid activities. Other than the muscle pain athletes endure, they should be concerned that they may also be prone to contagious skin conditions.
Dermatologic problems can adversely affect an athlete’s performance when left unchecked. Some sports such as wrestling, rugby, or cricket may most of the time involve skin-to-skin contact that can put an athlete at risk of contracting skin conditions. When afflicted, skin diseases could worsen and may take them out of the playing field for some time.
Skin conditions affecting athlete’s performance
Every year, thousands of athletes around the world participate in outdoor sports. Players involved in close contact sports may contract skin conditions from other athletes unknowingly and bring them pain and discomfort.
Skin diseases often produce symptoms that can impede an athlete’s performance. It is therefore critical for sports physicians to recognize any signs of skin disorders in an athlete. Proper knowledge of the prevention and treatment of various sports-related dermatoses results in the prompt and appropriate care of the athlete.
Common skin diseases affecting athletes
While many skin conditions in athletes can be treated if detected early, causes may vary due to their skin type, hereditary factors, age, sex, environment, and sporting activity. Some sports that involve skin-to-skin contact can help spread the contagion among players.
Some of the most common skin infections that athletes may be prone to are:
- Impetigo
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Herpes gladiatorum, or mat herpes
- Ringworm
- Pruritus
What is Pruritus?
Pruritus or itch is the uncomfortable skin sensation that triggers the desire to scratch the affected areas of our skin to apply for relief. For athletes, the skin itch can be unpleasant and, if untreated, could lead to trouble in sleep or anxiety that may eventually affect their performance.
Generally, the itch may be associated with several skin conditions, including:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Dry skin
- Urticaria
- Psoriasis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Folliculitis
- Dermatitis herpetiformis
- Lichen simplex
- Lichen planus
- Bullous pemphigoid
Can CBD help athletes prevent skin diseases?
Athletes are prone to many skin conditions, bruises and abrasions, leading to further complications affecting their sports performance. In such cases, topical medications such as ointments, balms, and salves are common treatments used by physically active people, including athletes who experience a lot of pain and are usually prone to different skin diseases.
What is a CBD salve?
Salves are topical ointments used on the skin to provide relief, healing, or protection. With its active ingredients, salves are typically used on affected skin areas to serve various purposes such as treating chapped lips, soothing dry skin or alleviating diaper rash.
These ointments are also becoming a common medication to soothe eczema, sunburn or bruises, cuts or scrapes.
CBD salve is a form of salve infused with cannabinoids, a component of cannabis.
A study in 2019 gathered that topical application CBD without THC could significantly help with the symptoms of skin conditions, especially those inflammatory types.
As one of the components of CBD salve, you can get to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids and, at the same time, the soothing effect of a cream that will not only support healthy muscles but is best with skincare as well.
How athletes can benefit from CBD salves
Until today, studies are still ongoing on the potential benefits of CBD to the skin.
One of the research was conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology conducted on cannabinoid-based medicines applied to various pain conditions, including the skin. The study suggested that CBD has the potential for pain care in Epidermolysis Bullosa or EB, a blistering genetic disorder.
Interestingly, a separate study presents the possible anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of cannabinoids. It shows to have the potential to inhibit the proliferation of keratinocytes and help with psoriasis treatment. In the same study, CBD displayed robust activity in fighting Methicillinine-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bacteria.
Order now and experience the soothing benefit of CBD salve on your skin. Feel the difference with its moisturizing effect while protecting you from harmful skin conditions.
