Case Studies on Dancer Stories:
Skin Health Around the World
Because no dancer should feel alone in their skin journey
Skin challenges are a hidden struggle for dancers around the world, but no one should feel alone in their journey.
This page is a growing collection of stories from dancers in our global Dance Aware network who bravely shared their experiences with skin issues caused by dance. From heat rash in Japan to eczema in Canada, these case studies highlight the resilience, creativity, and care it takes to keep dancing through it all. Our hope is that by reading their stories, you’ll feel seen, supported, and empowered to prioritize your own skin health too.
Want to share your story and help other dancers feel seen? We welcome anonymous submissions from around the world.
Case Study 1: Maya (LA, California)
Condition: Back Acne (Bacne) from Sweat + Costume Friction
Style: Jazz & Hip-Hop
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Background:
Maya, 15, trains six days a week at a competitive dance academy in Southern California. Her back began to break out due to a mix of sweat, tight-fitting performance costumes, and minimal time to shower between back-to-back classes.
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Care Plan:
She began cleansing with a salicylic acid body wash, swapped to breathable leotards for practice, and added a cooling body mist post-rehearsal. A dermatologist prescribed a gentle benzoyl peroxide cream, and she started washing costume fabrics with dye- and fragrance-free detergent.
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Outcome:
Within 8 weeks, inflammation calmed and scarring reduced. Maya now has a daily routine that helps her manage flare-ups confidently.
Case Study 3: Valentina (Santiago, Chile)
Condition: Contact Dermatitis from Costume Glitter + Fabric Dyes
Style: Lyrical + Ballet
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Background:
Valentina, 17, developed a red, itchy rash on her neck, chest, and arms during competitions. It worsened after wearing glitter-heavy costumes with synthetic fabrics dyed in bright colors.
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Care Plan:
Her doctor diagnosed contact dermatitis. Valentina now applies a barrier cream before dressing, uses hypoallergenic base layers under costumes, and speaks up about costume materials when competing.
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Outcome:
Rashes resolved with topical corticosteroids and by avoiding the main irritants. Her team has since worked with a seamstress to create low-irritant costume alternatives.
Case Study 2: Nour (Cairo, Egypt)
Condition: Milia from Heavy Makeup Under Hot Lighting
Style: Folkloric & Contemporary
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Background:
Nour, 19, performs in cultural shows across Cairo where thick stage makeup is expected. In Cairo’s dry heat, she developed milia (small white bumps from trapped keratin) around her cheeks and eyes.
Care Plan:
She switched to non-comedogenic makeup, reduced use of oil-based primers, and adopted a nightly cleansing oil followed by a foaming cleanser. Her dermatologist recommended periodic gentle exfoliation with polyhydroxy acids (PHAs).
Outcome:
The milia began to clear within 3–4 weeks, and Nour now uses lighter coverage and focuses on skin prep before every performance.
Case Study 5: Linh – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Condition: Fungal Infection (Tinea corporis / Ringworm)
Style: Traditional Vietnamese + Modern Dance
Background:
Linh danced barefoot during community festivals on outdoor stages and developed itchy, circular red patches on her feet and lower legs.
Care Plan:
A community clinic identified it as a fungal infection. Linh was prescribed an antifungal cream and began washing feet with antifungal soap after performances. She also started carrying slippers for transit and rehearsals.
Outcome:
Lesions cleared after 3 weeks. She now educates younger dancers in her troupe about safe barefoot practices.
You are not alone. These dancer stories reflect skin challenges that are common, often unspoken, and deeply human. From humid cities to dry deserts, each dancer found a way to manage their condition and keep moving forward.
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