The skin is the body's largest organ and plays a crucial role in protecting us during sports and physical activities, acting as a barrier against harmful elements and helping to maintain overall health. When athletes experience a wound, it means the skin has lost its normal function, which can be a significant setback. Wounds have long been a challenge for both athletes and sports professionals, making effective treatment essential for quick healing and minimal complications, allowing athletes to return to their routines as soon as possible [[1], [2], [3]]. Several factors can impede the healing process, including age, smoking, and chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, which can lead to increased recovery times and costs. Covering about 2 square meters, the skin is the largest and fastest-growing tissue in our bodies, vital for protection during sports [4,5]. It also serves many functions, such as regulating body temperature, producing vitamin D, and shielding against external threats, consisting of three main layers—the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis—each playing unique roles in keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best [[4], [5], [6]].

The epidermis, as the outermost layer of the skin, plays a vital role in protecting athletes from environmental factors, acting as an impermeable barrier. It is primarily made up of keratinocytes that produce keratin protein, and it consists of five layers—the basal, spinous, granular, transparent, and horny layers—each contributing to the skin's protective functions during physical activities. Beneath the epidermis is the dermis, rich in fibroblast cells and divided into papillary and reticular layers [[7], [8], [9]]. This area is filled with mechanoreceptors, extracellular matrix, and blood vessels, which nourish the skin, enhance its resilience, and support immune responses essential for athletes. The hypodermis, or subcutaneous layer, lies below the dermis and is mainly composed of fat tissue, providing a sustained supply of growth factors and serving as an energy reserve during intense training. Each layer of skin contains intricate microstructures, including blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, sweat glands, and hair follicles, all crucial for an athlete's performance [[10], [11], [12]]. Recognized as the largest organ in the body, the skin spans approximately 1.6–2 square meters, makes up 12–16 % of total body weight, and accommodates about one-third of the body's blood flow. While the skin has self-repairing capabilities, injuries such as cuts or abrasions may require medical attention to facilitate recovery, ensuring athletes can return to their sport as quickly as possible. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, characterized by its thin structure and composed of epithelial tissue, connecting directly to the thicker dermis beneath it. This outer layer contains four main types of cells: keratinocytes, which produce keratin; melanocytes, responsible for pigmentation; Langerhans cells, involved in immune response; and Merkel cells, linked to touch sensation. Below the dermis lies the hypodermis, or subcutaneous tissue, primarily made up of fat that helps insulate and protect the body. The skin is constantly exposed to various external factors, making it vulnerable to damage. While skin cells can heal over time, adult skin often struggles to fully regain its functional capabilities seen in infants. A wound is defined as any disruption in the skin's structural integrity, caused by trauma, surgical incisions, or chemical injuries, and can vary in severity based on the depth of damage. Wounds are classified as acute or chronic, with acute wounds healing naturally within about four weeks, while chronic wounds, such as venous or arterial leg ulcers, develop gradually and may take much longer to heal due to conditions like diabetes or inadequate blood supply [[12], [13], [14], [15]]. In developed countries, about 1–2 % of the population will experience chronic wounds, with global prevalence estimates ranging from 21.2 to 51.1 per 1000 individuals, figures expected to rise with an aging population. The market for advanced wound care is projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2028, spurred by innovations like smart dressings tailored for various wound types, making the choice of appropriate dressings essential for effective healing. This article shows the wound-healing process and explores drug delivery methods and different smart dressings to enhance recovery. The skin plays a crucial role in sports, acting as the body's first line of defense against external factors that athletes frequently encounter, such as abrasions, cuts, and environmental elements. The epidermis, being the outermost layer, is directly involved in protecting athletes during physical activities, while the thicker dermis supports skin health and resilience. Wounds, whether from falls, collisions, or equipment, can significantly impact an athlete's performance and recovery. Acute wounds typically heal quickly, allowing athletes to return to their routines, but chronic wounds can develop if injuries are not properly managed, potentially sidelining athletes for extended periods [[14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]].

With the growing prevalence of chronic wounds among active individuals, especially as the sports community ages, the importance of effective wound care becomes evident. Innovations like smart dressings are particularly beneficial in sports settings, as they provide tailored solutions to promote faster healing and minimize downtime. Understanding the skin's structure and its healing processes is essential for athletes and coaches alike, ensuring that injuries are managed effectively to maintain peak performance and overall well-being [[20], [21], [22], [23]]. The objective of this discussion is to show the critical role of skin health in sports performance, emphasizing the importance of effective wound management and healing processes for athletes. It aims to educate athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals about the structure of the skin, the nature of sports-related injuries, and the latest advancements in wound care, particularly the use of smart dressings [[24], [25], [26], [27], [28]]. This topic introduces a comprehensive perspective on how skin health directly influences athletic performance, integrating insights from dermatology with practical applications in sports medicine. By focusing on the intersection of skin physiology and sports injuries, it sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of wound care in athletic training and competition. Furthermore, this discussion contributes to the field of sports medicine by providing valuable information on the anatomy and functions of the skin, as well as practical recommendations for managing injuries effectively. It shows the need for athletes to prioritize skin health and equips them with knowledge about cutting-edge wound care technologies, ultimately promoting faster recovery and enhancing overall performance. Additionally, it shows the significance of preventative measures and timely interventions in minimizing the impact of injuries on athletic careers.