Dermatologists who talked to the Tribune were clear they were not attempting to diagnose Hossa, but they said hockey players who suffered such skin conditions decades ago likely had contact dermatitis ? a red, itchy rash caused by an allergen coming into contact with the skin.
The best way to eliminate the condition is to avoid the allergen. But if it's in a professional athlete's gear or uniform, that can be trickier.
"If it's unclear what he's allergic to do, it would be hard to avoid something you don't know to avoid," said dermatologist Amy Derick, who is on staff at Northwestern and University of Chicago and runs a private practice. "It perpetuates itself because the skin never heals with playing hockey every day."
In the case of hockey players such as Hossa, dermatologists said a contributing factor could be the many required pieces of equipment that rub on the skin and cause small breaks in the tissue with friction and sweat. That creates exposure for chemicals found in clothing and equipment to seep in. The chemicals don't cause the problem but can act as stimuli to an allergic reaction.
Open sores can lead to bacterial infections, adding another difficulty for the patient.
Because of the many hours wearing the gear in practice and games, the problem can perpetuate. Minimizing friction through a protective sleeve and moisture-wicking fabric can help.
Prescription creams, steroids and immune-suppressing medication are sometimes administered for relief. Treatments typically wouldn't have immediate side effects that would impede athletic performance, but some medications can be intolerable ? such as causing nausea ? for some patients.
