Skin barrier function in athletes as a biomedical determinant of health and well-being: Supporting SDG 3 on good health

The skin is the primary protective organ functioning as a barrier against various environmental factors, including physical pressure, friction, and pathogenic microorganisms. Athletes who engage in intense physical activity often experience impaired skin barrier function, leading to various dermatological conditions such as irritation, infections, and inflammation. Preventing and treating these skin disorders requires an understanding of the mechanisms underlying skin barrier function and risk factors in athletes. An extensive analysis of the stratum corneum, ceramides, and skin microbiome’s functions in regulating the skin’s internal environment is presented in this study. It also discusses how intense physical activity and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, affect the integrity of the skin barrier in athletes. Common dermatological conditions in athletes, including irritant contact dermatitis, fungal infections, and skin cancer risk due to ultraviolet exposure, are also addressed. Interventions such as moisturizer use, protection from external factors, and prevention and.