UC Physician Publishes Sports Dermatology Book

CINCINNATI—Everyone knows that sports cause injuries, but what about skin problems?

There are plenty of them, according to University of Cincinnati (UC) dermatologist Brian Adams, MD, who has just published a book on the subject.

Titled Sports Dermatology, the book was originally aimed at dermatologists, sports medicine doctors, athletic trainers, nurses, pediatricians, family doctors and other medical professionals interested in skin conditions that affect athletes.

"But it will also be useful to parents, coaches, teachers, fitness trainers or anyone who considers sports and exercise a part of daily life,” Adams says.

According to Adams, people participating in sports every day, whether on a team, in a gym or running or bicycling outdoors, risk sports-related skin problems. He says he’s received so many questions from coaches, athletes, friends and colleagues that he decided to write the book to help simplify diagnosis, treatment and prevention of common and unusual sports-related skin conditions.

The book covers everything from viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic skin infections to encounters with animals. Its five sections include infections, growths, inflammatory reactions, traumatic conditions and sports-related conditions induced by the environment. Sunburn, skin cancer, friction and pressure injuries, reactions to temperature, chemicals and anabolic steroids are also covered, as well as prevention plans for specific athletic activities.

"People always have books by the bedside,” says Adams. "I hope this book will be available at the bench side.”

 Adams is an associate professor of dermatology at UC College of Medicine, chief of dermatology at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a clinical instructor in UC’s athletic training program.