Using Hydrating Cream to Improve Repeated Hand Skin Injury Among Tug-of-war Players

Athletes commonly face skin injuries during training and competition, which can negatively impact their performance and physical health. Injuries such as abrasions, cuts, burns, and sunburns can limit muscle contractions and range of motion, cause discomfort, and lead to bacterial infections. In addition, skin damage can lead to long-term skin problems such as skin aging and cancer, affecting athletes' overall health and performance. Protecting the skin is crucial for athletes to maintain optimal performance and physical health. The use of steroids is limited for athletes due to their status as banned substances. Topical steroids may also cause negative side effects, making it necessary to find alternative skin care options for athletes such as tug-of-war athletes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a topical hydrating cream for skin care in this population. The study involved using a moisturizing cream on the more severely affected side of one hand while the other hand acted as a comparative control group. After two weeks, the sides were switched, and the study continued for four weeks in total.