Brice Loddé1, Catherine Mahé2, Laure Jacolot3, Richard Pougnet4, David Lucas5, Dominique Jegaden5, Jean-Dominique Dewitte4, Laurent Misery2, Ray Lucas6. 1. Occupational and Environmental Diseases Department, (Drs Loddé, Pougnet, and Dewitte) and. Electronic address: Brice.lodde@chu-brest.fr. 2. the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France (Drs Mahé and Misery); 3. the Finistère Sailing Centre, La Forêt-Fouesnant, France (Dr Jacolot); the. 4. Occupational and Environmental Diseases Department, (Drs Loddé, Pougnet, and Dewitte) and. 5. Department of Occupational Health in Iroise Brest, France (Drs D. Lucas and Jegaden). 6. and the Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States (Dr R. Lucas).
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: 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.
OBJECTIVES: 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.