Contact Sports & Skin Infections

 

Skin infections are frequent in athletes of all ages, mainly those involved in high-contact sports like football and wrestling. Infections can take athletes out of the accomplishment and put them on the sidelines. It can be spread from one athlete to another directly through skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through contaminated substances such as towels, mats, and equipment. While most cases of skin infections are mild and treatable, but without the right treatment, some can be very serious. 

Learn how contact sports contribute to the spread of skin infections and how to prevent it & safely participate in sports.

 

What are the Most Common Skin Infections for Athletes?

The three most common skin infections are:

• Staphylococcus aureus, AKA “Staph”
  Caused by: Bacteria
  Typically Symptoms: One or more painful sores, with pus surrounded by redness, sometimes associated with fever
• Herpes
  Caused by: Virus, the same virus that causes cold sores in the mouth
  Typically Symptoms: One or more painful blisters  with clear fluid surrounded by redness
• Tinea, AKA “Ringworm”
  Caused by: Fungus
  Typically Symptoms: Itchy, dry, red, circular patches

 

Why Are Athletes More Prone To Skin Infections?

Several aspects of sporting activities put the athlete at a higher risk of developing and spreading skin infections.

• First, many athletic activities involve intense, close skin-to-skin contact, which facilitates the transmission of infectious microorganisms between athletes and among teams.
• Second, sweating is natural to athletics that results in a macerated skin that easily facilitates the penetration of infectious microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, or fungus).
• Third, many athletes wear occlusive equipment, which provides an ideal environment (warm, dark, and moist) for the growth of microorganisms, especially if not washed properly and regularly.

Thus, sportspersons are more prone to common skin infection and require more precautions compared to other individuals.

 

How Are Skin Infections Spread In Athletes?

Skin infections are most often spread from person to person. Risk factors for skin infection in athletes include:

• Contact sports participation
• Poor hygiene
• Direct skin to skin contact
• Body shaving
• Sharing of towels, razors, and equipment

 

How Can You Prevent Spread Of Skin Infections?

You can avoid spreading skin diseases in the athletic setting by:

1. Practicing Good Hygiene

Practice good hygiene, and wash hands frequently preferably immediately after sports activities. Prevent touching your mouth, eyes, or nose with your hands to help avert the spread of infections. Use products that contain anti-microbial ingredients. Using baby powders and anti-fungal powders can minimize sweat especially in skin folds areas.

2. Keeping Equipment Clean

Sanitize and cleanse all equipment thoroughly before and after use; permit for proper airflow in rooms. Wash your hands after using shared gears (such as barbells and free weights). Wash towels, using hot water with detergent after each use, and dry thoroughly on high heat setting.

3. Not Sharing Towels, Toiletries or Personal Equipment

Between your bare skin and shared surfaces such as exercise equipment, benches, or physical therapy tables and equipment, use a clean towel. Do not share towels, washcloths, soap, razors, toothbrushes, deodorant, ointments, or creams.

4. Keeping Wounds Covered

Athletes should keep their wounds covered. They should shower immediately after participation and before using a whirlpool or other shared area. Their uniforms should also be washed and dried after each use.

5. Checking Potential Skin Diseases

Report your coaching staff or parent (if you are under 18 years of age) immediately, if any, skin lesions or sores. Have your every sores and rash evaluated by a doctor or healthcare professional.

 

What Should You Do If You May Have A Skin Infection?

If you have lesions, blisters or sores or skin infection is suspected, you should:

• Avoid ongoing contributions in contact sports and exposure with others.
• Seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment.
• Not return to play until all symptoms have vanished, and the athlete is not contagious.
• Use soaps, shampoos, body washes, and powder that have active anti-infectious ingredients.

 

Return To Play

Most of the skin medications may clear the infection in 2 to 4 weeks, and most people respond positively to treatment. The athlete can come back to play once the infection has been treated, and symptoms related to the infection have been resolved.