A Unique Acquired Athletic Dermatologic Condition in a Half Marathon Participant: An Autobiographical Case Report of Sports-Associated Clothing Related Axillary Tangled Clumped Hairs (SCRATCH)

May 2025 in “ Cureus ”

Philip R Cohen

alopecia axillary hairs dermatologic issues shirt friction temporary hair loss underarm hair skin issues clothing friction

TLDR A runner developed tangled armpit hairs from shirt friction, preventable by shaving or wearing smooth shirts.

A 66-year-old man developed a unique condition called sports-associated clothing related axillary tangled clumped hairs (SCRATCH) during a half marathon, caused by shirt friction leading to tangled axillary hairs and temporary alopecia upon removal. The incidence of SCRATCH is unknown, but it can be prevented by shaving axillary hairs, using salves, or wearing non-abrasive shirts. This condition highlights the susceptibility of runners to various dermatologic issues.

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A Unique Acquired Athletic Dermatologic Condition in a Half Marathon Participant: An Autobiographical Case Report of Sports-Associated Clothing Related Axillary Tangled Clumped Hairs (SCRATCH)

Research cited in this study

research Frictional Alopecia of the Distal Legs: Case Series and Review

research Skin Problems in the Long-Distance Runner 2500 Years After the Battle of Marathon

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