Abstract
American football, rugby, and soccer (association football) are some of the most physically demanding and widely played sports around the world, each involving intense physical activity, frequent player-to-player contact, and shared locker room spaces. American football, soccer and rugby require an array of sports equipment, including helmets, gloves, and cleats, that may increase the risk of dermatologic conditions. Acneiform eruptions, colloquially referred to as “helmet acne”, refer to a spectrum of acne-like conditions that are particularly prevalent among athletes who use helmets during training or competition. These eruptions arise from a combination of occlusion, sweat, and friction (i.e. acne mechanica), which promote follicular obstruction and bacterial colonization. Rugby, football, and soccer are intense high-contact sports that involve frequent physical interaction, shared equipment, and communal facilities. There are all factors that create prime conditions for the spread of infectious diseases among these athletes. Rugby, football, and soccer players are particularly susceptible to tinea dermatophyte infections, which can spread rapidly. To prevent outbreaks amongst teams, regular sanitization, personal hygiene, and proper treatment of fungal infections are essential.