'Foot-long scalp growth': Individual experiences substantial dermatological issue following prolonged breakdancing engagement
Street dancing, specifically known as breaking among its enthusiasts, gained Olympic recognition at the 2024 Paris Games. Competitors contend in contests evaluated based on factors like performance, rhythm, innovation, and skill.
While breaking is commended for its athleticism and imagination, it also carries inherent hazards. These perils may include hand-related conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve issues, as well as a condition within the breaking culture titled "headspin hole," an overuse injury impacting the scalp.
This condition generally begins with hair loss and can evolve into a prominent growth on the crown of the head.
In a recently published report in the medical journal BMJ, a man in his thirties, a prolific breaker for about two decades, underwent treatment for a benign tumor stretching over a foot long and an inch thick.
This condition, occasionally referred to as the "breakdance bulge," is thought to stem from the constant friction between the scalp and floor during headspins, amplified by the force applied during the spin.
"We suspect the condition originates from the constant friction between the head and the floor, compounded by the weight-bearing character of headspins, accumulated throughout years of breakdancing," stated Dr. Christian Baastrup Søndergaard, a neurosurgery specialist at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. "This ongoing strain on the skull, scalp, and skin likely triggers inflammation, and gradually, minor bleeding may result in thickened skin and scar tissue, forming the characteristic bulge." Dr. Søndergaard, a co-author of the case report, administered care to the patient.
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The patient reported discomfort and tenderness, and admitted to avoiding social appearances without a hat to conceal the bulge.
Upon surgical extraction of the growth, the patient expressed delight: "It's wonderful to go out in public without a cap or hat. Many people inform me they can no longer discern the bulge, and my head appears completely normal."
Although there's some recognition of the condition within the breaking community, medical literature on "headspin hole" remains sparse, according to the case report. Members of Reddit's r/bboy forum, an online platform for breakers, have discussed developing bald patches over time and have shared recommendations such as wearing cushioned beanies or inserting gel pads underneath a hat while executing the maneuver.
Breakdancing, or breaking, is physically demanding and can lead to health issues. For instance, frequent headspins can cause a condition known as "headspin hole," characterized by hair loss and potential growth on the crown of the head.
Regularly performing headspins in breakdancing can lead to inflammation, minor bleeding, and the formation of thickened skin and scar tissue, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as the "breakdance bulge."
