Aquatic Dermatology: ⁤Surfing’s ⁤hidden Health‍ Concerns

Surfing,frequently enough romanticized as a ‍pursuit of freedom and a communion wiht ‍nature,carries potential health risks for those who regularly brave teh waves. The skin, the body’s largest organ, is constantly exposed to sun, water, allergens, and potential infections. Dermatological issues, ranging from sun⁢ damage to tropical infections and contact allergies, play a critically important role⁤ in the well-being of water sports‍ enthusiasts.

From Surf Hobby to Medical Expertise

dr. Onno ‍ten berge, a dermatologist at Gelre hospitals and avid surfer, became involved⁢ in aquatic dermatology through his passion for the sport. “I started surfing in my student days, when it wasn’t nearly as popular as it is indeed now,” Dr. ten Berge recalls. “There were maybe 10 of us in the water at Scheveningen. We just hoped for ⁤good waves.”

His personal interest evolved into a professional dedication to the health of surfers ⁤and other water sports participants.He joined the European Association of Surfing Doctors, later renamed Surfing medicine International (SMI), alongside other European physicians. Initially, dermatology received less attention within the association.”Most⁣ doctors were more focused on⁣ emergency situations in water⁤ sports, like drowning, shoulder dislocations,⁢ and deep cuts,” he said.”But it gradually became clear ⁤that dermatology, largely due to its preventive nature, is extremely ‍important within the⁢ surfing community.”

Skin Problems on and Under the Water

Aquatic dermatology addresses skin problems stemming from exposure to water and environmental elements. “This includes skin cancer prevention and early detection, (tropical) infections, ⁣and contact allergies,” explains Dr. ten⁣ Berge. Wetsuit use, for example, can cause skin irritations in⁣ divers and surfers. some individuals develop ‍allergic reactions to the ‍materials used in wetsuits.

Dr. ten Berge illustrates this with an example: “At the allergy ⁣clinic in Utrecht,we once tested a patient with such complaints for allergies to ⁤various rubber compounds,but without success. it turned out to be irritation from chafing. Something like that can usually⁢ be solved simply with a layer of petroleum ⁢jelly.”

tropical Considerations

Water sports enthusiasts who pursue their activities in tropical regions may encounter different symptoms than those in colder waters. “Infections with exotic bacteria or parasites are more common,” ‍says Dr. ten Berge.

Knowledge sharing⁢ between countries is a crucial aspect of aquatic dermatology. “What is a rare tropical infection here is considered commonplace in Brazil,” he notes. “A typical example is myiasis, a common parasitic skin infection‍ were fly larvae nest under the skin. In the Netherlands,we often operate promptly,while a Brazilian colleague said,’Everyone gets this here once in their life. We treat it ‍with nitrogen, and it resolves automatically.'”

The Importance of Sun Protection

sun protection is a primary focus within aquatic dermatology. “For‍ years, surfing had the image of ‘healthy,’ tanned bodies without protection.But luckily, we’ve seen a shift in this area,” Dr. ten berge said. “At surf schools,beginners are now told that applying sunscreen is step one,just like putting on a wetsuit.”

The rise⁢ of UV-protective clothing also helps. “UV-resistant rash ⁤vests with long sleeves and wetsuits provide good sun protection.”

acute Dermatological Issues in the Water

Some surf-related skin problems are acute and require prompt identification. ⁣”Think‍ of jellyfish stings, cuts from coral or rocks, and injuries from spiky fish like the weever fish,” says Dr. ten Berge.”The latter is becoming increasingly common in the North Sea due to climate change.The sting is ⁢incredibly painful, but a simple ‍treatment – immersing the affected area in hot water – quickly relieves the pain.”

Wound infections from seawater bacteria also warrant attention. “Surfers frequently enough get small cuts on ⁢their feet from contact with coral.⁢ This ⁣can lead to coral dermatitis, but aquagene bacteria can also enter a wound and cause long-term infections. A well-known example is aquarium granuloma, an aquagene infection that can persist for months.”

The Surfing Doctor’s Role

A unique aspect of SMI is the active involvement of doctors in the water. “As surfers, we are ⁤already⁤ in the water and can frequently enough provide immediate assistance in accidents. An experienced surfer frequently enough acts as a first responder, long before rescue services arrive.”

SMI organizes a 7-day Advanced Life Support Course annually. In addition to acute⁢ care,they are increasingly focusing on prevention. “The slogan of SMI is ‘Prevention is key,knowledge is the way.’ By sharing knowledge, we can prevent accidents and health problems.” The network of surfing doctors ⁣also facilitates the dissemination of dermatological knowledge. “The⁢ great thing about congresses and international meetings is that you ‍learn from colleagues from other countries. In Australia and the United States, there is more attention to⁣ surf dermatology than here, but we are seeing a catch-up in Europe, partly because surfing schools are⁣ providing more preventive ⁢advice.”

Sustainability in Surfing

Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the surfing world. “Surfing⁢ seems like a‍ pure, natural sport, but it is not that sustainable at all. Surfboards are frequently enough made of harmful materials, and ‍traditional sunscreens often contain⁣ substances that are harmful to coral reefs,” explains Dr. ten Berge.

“Fortunately, more and more reef-kind sunscreens and boards made of more environmentally friendly epoxy resin are becoming available.” The shaping community – the people who make surfboards – is also becoming more‍ aware of dermatological risks. “They work a lot with epoxy resins and sometimes develop contact allergies. You see that not only with professionals ⁢but ⁢also with ‍hobbyists who build a board⁢ themselves. My son and I are now ⁣making a board together, and an critically important⁣ part of that is also how you can protect yourself against ⁣vapors and contact with such allergens.”

Lessons for Dermatologists

While no specific dermatological guideline exists for water sports enthusiasts, dermatologists can gain valuable insights from the surfing and diving communities. “It is indeed critically important to always ask about a patient’s travel history and hobbies when⁣ addressing skin problems,” says Dr. ten Berge.”An exotic skin infection is sometimes only recognized when a ⁢doctor knows that a patient has just returned from a surfing trip to Bali.”

Surfing Medicine International offers extensive information for those interested in delving deeper into⁣ aquatic dermatology.⁢ “We developed an app⁣ where doctors can quickly look up what to ⁤do ⁤with certain surf-related problems. That is useful for emergency care doctors, but also for general practitioners and dermatologists.”

Thanks to organizations like Surfing Medicine International, this knowledge is becoming increasingly accessible. “What started as a hobby grew into a serious way to keep the surfing community healthier,” concludes Dr. ten Berge. “That makes it extra beautiful for me.”