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Cutaneous Allergic Reactions Induced by Sporting Activities

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Abstract

This survey searched for allergic skin reactions associated with, and possibly resulting from, sporting or recreational activities. The goal was to develop profiles of the types of allergens and responses that might be expected in association with particular sports involvement. The data mainly derive from published reports of allergic-appearing skin responses occurring during and after sports participation. The majority of these are single or short series of cases. Some supplementary data from earlier reviews, and two cases from our own clinical experience, have also been incorporated. Given the scattered availability of published case material in this field, we have included most of the reports that came to our attention. We have indicated where the connection between the clinical response and the putative agent or sporting activity seems tenuous. The data are organised according to type of reaction (type I, immunoglobulin E-mediated, largely hives, angioedema and anaphylaxis; and type IV, cell-mediated, largely contact dermatitis). Some envenomations that may be amplified by allergy have also been included. In water sports, allergic sensitivity to equipment (wetsuits, masks, goggles), water per se and disinfecting agents, and various water-dwelling creatures was found. In team and other outdoor sports, most allergies related to shoes, braces/supports and other equipment, and occasionally to topical medicaments and other miscellaneous contactants. Sports participants encounter a variety of potential sensitisers. Of interest is whether a higher level of physical activity may put them at greater risk of becoming sensitised.

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Acknowledgements

The authors were supported during the preparation of this manuscript by funds from the Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Ml, USA. We acknowledge with thanks the services of the Bronson Methodist Hospital medical library (James Shiley) in obtaining many of the papers reviewed, and Liga Greenfield (Pharmacia Corp.) for help with part of the literature search. The authors have no conflicts of interest directly relevant to the content of this review.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, 1000 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49008, USA

    Carter D. Brooks & Dilip Patel

  2. Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland

    Anna Kujawska

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  1. Carter D. Brooks
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  2. Anna Kujawska
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  3. Dilip Patel
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Correspondence to Carter D. Brooks.

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Brooks, C.D., Kujawska, A. & Patel, D. Cutaneous Allergic Reactions Induced by Sporting Activities. Sports Med 33, 699–708 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200333090-00005

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