Athletic departments should contract with which specialist for skin health?

• A. An orthopedic surgeon
• B. A sports psychologist
• C. A team dermatologist
• D. A nutritionist

Answer: (C)

Skin health in athletes is best managed by someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions and understands how they impact performance and training. A team dermatologist can identify and treat a wide range of issues athletes frequently encounter, from fungal infections like athletes foot and ringworm to bacterial infections such as impetigo and folliculitis, as well as contact dermatitis from equipment, heat rashes, sun exposure, and common skin conditions like acne or eczema. They also set up preventive strategies: routine skin checks before participation, protocols to prevent and control contagious skin diseases in close-contact sports, guidance on shaving practices and protective gear, wound care procedures, and sunscreen recommendations for outdoor play. By coordinating with athletic trainers, physicians, and coaches, a dermatologist helps ensure treatments fit within training schedules and supports a rapid, safe return to sport when skin injuries occur. Other specialists focus on different areas—orthopedic surgeons on bones and joints, sports psychologists on mental aspects, and nutritionists on diet—so while those roles are important, they don’t specialize in managing skin health comprehensively. Having a team dermatologist ensures consistent, expert skin care for the entire athletic program.