Last update:
   29-Apr-2026
 

Arch Hellen Med, 43(4), July-August 2026, 467-473

REVIEW

The impact of physical activity and outdoor exposure on skin health in football players

V.J. Malliou,1 G. Pafis,2 S. Plakias,3 C. Katsikas1
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, School of Physical Education and Sport Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
2Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Occupational Therapy, Democritus University of Thrace, Komotini
3Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece

The skin is a vital organ in maintaining homeostasis and protecting against environmental insults. However, its role in sports medicine remains underrepresented, particularly in football, where athletes are repeatedly exposed to mechanical friction, ultraviolet radiation, heat, humidity, and synthetic fabrics. These conditions may result in acute and chronic dermatological manifestations, including contact dermatitis, folliculitis, mycoses, and pressure-related lesions. This narrative review summarizes current findings on the impact of external stressors on skin health among football players and discusses clinical implications for prevention and management. Recent technological developments have introduced new methods for real-time skin assessment. Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in dermatology −through machine learning algorithms, wearable sensors, sweat analysis systems, and mobile health platforms− have demonstrated increasing accuracy in the detection and monitoring of dermatological conditions. Devices such as electronic skin patches and thermographic tools enable the continuous collection of skin-related data, allowing for early identification of pathological changes and potentially guiding intervention. This review evaluates the integration of AI-enabled monitoring systems within football-specific medical protocols. Evidence from recent studies supports their utility in screening and follow-up, although most tools require further validation in sports-specific contexts. The application of AI in dermatological monitoring may enhance clinical decisionmaking, especially in outdoor sports where environmental exposure is high. Further research should investigate the reliability, reproducibility, and clinical effectiveness of these technologies in diverse athletic populations. Standardization of protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration between sports physicians, dermatologists, and engineers are essential for the development of practical tools for routine use.

Key words: Artificial intelligence, Dermatology, Football, Sports medicine, Wearable electronic devices.

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