Hockey equipment is not only annoying to put on but it can also be even more annoying to wear, especially for people new to hockey. Having to play in a cold area while wearing tight pads and sweating can be irritating to say the least.
What is even worse are the rashes that many people suffer with as a result of the conditions a hockey player deals with. Some hockey players may not realize it, but in fact, they may be suffering from a condition known as Eczema.
What is Eczema?
According to Sick Journal, Eczema is a condition that causes skin to become inflamed and or irritated. It generally is caused by a number of different things that include substances, rough and coarse material, changes in temperature, cold air, hot air, and more. Because Eczema gets worse under these conditions, one can see how it is directly related to hockey equipment.
Hockey equipment can be coarse and playing hockey involves a mix of temperatures and heat. While the actual cause of the disease in the first place is unknown, there is a lot of information on dealing with it.
First off, you should know that it is mainly found on the face, on the back of knees, hands, and feet. Having this condition causes itching before and after the rash appears. The rash can appear red to dark often appearing as dry, thick, or scaly skin.
As a hockey player who sees this, it is important to know that there are steps that you can take to reducing its effects.
What to Do
Let me start by saying that there is no actual cure to the disease itself, but like I said, there are steps that you can take to relieve and stop itching as well. Just like any dry skin, moisturizing creams and lotions are important to use.
These types of lotions come in all different brands and can easily be found at a local pharmacy or chain such as Walmart or Target. Keeping your skin from getting dry is crucial. More emphasis on this as a hockey player is probably required as well since they tend to get dryer skin quicker.
Also, a quick relief could come in the form of a cold compress. While this may not stop it long term it will temporarily relieve itching. Other options for more serious cases could include hydrocortisone or other prescription creams.
If your condition continues to worsen your doctor may even recommend some antibiotics in case of infection.
Other things to consider after playing is to always take a shower right away and consider using fragrance free detergent when washing your equipment. This may decrease your chances or irritating the skin.
Also, consider the food that you are eating as this may cause an increase in flare ups. Soaps that are harsher will also cause an increase in flare ups.
Conclusion
If you do have Eczema, it is wise to consider the following steps above to decrease your change of irritation and flares. For hockey players alike you can still play but you need to be more cautious and take the right steps towards bettering your situation.
Seeking medical help from your doctor would also be wise. Remember that only you can make the choice to take the proper steps.
References WebMD and Sick Journal