title: Skin Diseases Affecting High-Level Competition Sailors: Descriptive Study Carried Out During the 2012 AG2R Transatlantic Boat Race.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The primary objective of this study was to identify skin disorders encountered in a population of sport sailors. Unlike merchant mariners and fishermen, there is sparse literature on this maritime population. Secondary objectives were to uncover on-board conditions that may contribute to dermatological problems in this population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective study during the 2012 AG2R transatlantic race. Sixteen two-man crews participated in this race, all using the same model of sailboat (Bénéteau Figaro 2). Clinical examinations were conducted, photographs taken, and questionnaires containing 34 questions were handed out before departure and on arrival, 22 to 24 days later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight of 32 skippers (88%) participated in departure data collection, and 18 (56%) completed data collection on arrival. The average age of sailors was 34 years (SD = 8). Compared with skin diseases documented on departure, there was an increased amount of folliculitis on the buttocks, fungal infections, and hyperkeratosis of the hands on arrival. Furthermore, several new skin problems were found postrace: skin scaling, skin erosions on the buttocks, dyshidrosis, thermal burns, and sunburns. The use of protective gear and sunscreen was common, but on-board hygiene was poor with infrequent bathing and clothing changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Skin conditions are nearly universal in this maritime population. Further assessments are needed to know if long-term use of protective gear; improved hygiene; use of barrier creams; and proper on-board care of fungal infections, wounds, and burns could reduce the number and severity of skin problems encountered in sport sailors.
authors.affiliation: Occupational and Environmental Diseases Department, (Drs Loddé, Pougnet, and Dewitte) and. Electronic address: Brice.lodde@chu-brest.fr.
authors.forename: Brice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Loddé
authors.affiliation: the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France (Drs Mahé and Misery);
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mahé
authors.affiliation: the Finistère Sailing Centre, La Forêt-Fouesnant, France (Dr Jacolot); the.
authors.forename: Laure
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jacolot
authors.affiliation: Occupational and Environmental Diseases Department, (Drs Loddé, Pougnet, and Dewitte) and.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pougnet
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Health in Iroise Brest, France (Drs D. Lucas and Jegaden).
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Health in Iroise Brest, France (Drs D. Lucas and Jegaden).
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jegaden
authors.affiliation: Occupational and Environmental Diseases Department, (Drs Loddé, Pougnet, and Dewitte) and.
authors.forename: Jean-Dominique
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Dewitte
authors.affiliation: the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France (Drs Mahé and Misery);
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Misery
authors.affiliation: and the Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States (Dr R. Lucas).
authors.forename: Ray
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lucas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011998:Recreation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012767:Ships; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: boat; dermatitis; maritime; sailor; sport