What Skin Disease Does Marian Hossa Have? 7 Uncommon Illnesses

Chicago Blackhawks player Marian Hossa has to forgo competing in the 2017-18 NHL season because he’s suffering from a “progressive skin disorder,” USA Today reported Wednesday. The player did not reveal what type of skin disorder he was being treated for, but the medication has side effects that make it impossible for him to continue with the sport next season.

“Due to the severe side effects associated with those medications, playing hockey is not possible for me during the upcoming 2017-18 season,” Hossa said in a statement. “While I am disappointed that I will not be able to play, I have to consider the severity of my condition and how the treatments have impacted my life both on and off the ice.”

READ: Stanley Cup Playoffs 2017 Predictions: Expert Picks For Every NHL First-Round Series

Hossa, 38, is going to be missed. “This is extremely difficult for us because we all know the incredible person and player that Marian Hossa is — competitive, loyal and humble,” Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said. “His teammates and coaches know he battled through some very tough physical difficulties but never complained or missed games despite the challenges he faced. The organization will continue to provide him every resource he needs to maintain his health.”

Dr. Michael Terry, the doctor for the Blackhawks, explained Hossa’s skin disorder could no longer be treated with conventional medicine. “Because of the dramatic nature of the medications required and their decreasing effectiveness, we strongly support his decision not to play during the 2017-18 season,” Terry said in a statement. “We feel in the most certain terms this is the appropriate approach for Marian in order to keep him functional and healthy in the short term and throughout his life.”

Hossa has been playing in the NHL for nearly 20 years. Over the last six years, he only missed 46 games. During his career with the Blackhawks, he helped the team win three Stanley Cup titles.

READ: NHL Playoffs 2017: First-Round Series, Stanley Cup Betting Odds Have Blackhawks, Capitals Favored

While Hossa didn’t give any hints about what type of skin disorder he had, some of the rarest diseases with a brief description have been listed below:

1. Necrotizing Fasciitis is a flesh-eating bacterial infection that destroys the tissue under the skin. It infects a person through a break in the skin. There are fewer than 20,000 cases a year.

2. Dermatographia is also known as skin writing. When a person who has this disorder scratches his or her skin, the marks look like scars. They typically disappear in 30 minutes.

3. Morgellons disease is when there are lesions on the skin. Not much is known about this disorder.

4. Argyria is when a person’s skin turns blue or grey. It happens if a person was exposed to chemical compounds of silver.

5. Vitiligo is when there is a loss of skin color. Canadian fashion model Winnie Harlow famously has the disorder.

6. Harlequin ichthyosis is a painful disease. It hardens the skin, making it easy to crack and get infections.

7. Leprosy, which is also called Hansen’s disease, can be cured within six to 12 months of treatment. It is famously contagious. It causes red patches on the skin and numbness.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella