Int J Sports Med 2004; 25(8): 638-640
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815714
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Dermatological Marks in Athletes of Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics

G. Biolcati1 , G. Berlutti1 , A. Bagarone1 , G. Caselli1
  • 1S. Gallicano Dermatological Institute - IRCCS Rome, Sport Sciences Institute, Rome, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: October 25, 2003

Publication Date:
26 July 2004 (online)

Abstract

The authors present dermatological signs in: a) rhythmic gymnastics athletes, b) male artistic gymnastics athletes, compared to a control group of fitness athletes. Athletes from the artistic gymnastics group were observed twice. The signs they showed on their first examination (20 days previous to the competition) were two circular zones of thickening of the skin with relation to the radial epiphysis. In all of them, two zones of frictional alopecia were present, one on the dorsal face of the forearms, slantwise outlined, the other on the wrists. A noticeable thickening of the skin was present on the palms of the hands. On a second examination, at the beginning of the training, after about two months of inactivity, the alopecic area was replaced by hypertrichosis, although featuring different patterns in each athlete. Thickening of the skin was slightly smaller than that observed at the first examination. The authors describe onychopathology shown in its different forms in 94 % of the athletes of the rhythmic group. Subsequently the authors discuss the pathogenesis of the above described signs.

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G. Biolcati

Istituto S. Gallicano

Via Chianesi, 53 EUR-Mostacciano

00144 Roma

Italy

Phone: + 390652666928

Fax: + 39 06 52 66 69 28

Email: g.biolcati@tin.itorbiolcati@ifo.it