Prevention and Management of Common Skin Diseases in Athletics

Overview:

Sprains and strains are just some of the injuries seen in athletics. Another common condition seen in athletics are skin diseases; this happens when an athlete is exposed to different types trauma, environmental and infectious agents that act together to attack the integrity of the skin. Combined with sharing small spaces by other athletes and generally poor hygiene habits it is easy to see how skin infections can cause a significant disruption to an individual and team.

Common Skin Diseases:

Skin diseases fall into three basic categories based on the type of infectious agent: fungal, viral and bacterial

Viral infections

Tinea capitis Presents as gray, scaly patches accompanied by mild

hair loss.

Tinea corporis Presents with a well-defined, round,

erythematous, scaly plaque with raised borders.

Tinea corporis gladiatorum frequently presents with a more irregular lesion.

Fungal Infections

Herpes simplex Lesions are typically found on the head, face, neck,

or upper extremities. Present as clustered, tense vesicles on an

erythematous base.

Molluscum contagiosum Typically presents as umbillicated, or delled, flesh

colored to light-pink pearly papules. Measures 1-10 mm diameter.

Bacterial infections

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Furuncles, carbuncles, and abscesses are the most frequent

clinical manifestations. Often confused with spider bites, Lesions may begin as small

pustules that develop into larger pustules or abscesses with areas of erythema and some tissue necrosis.

Folliculitis Presents as papules and pustules at the base of hair follicles,

especially in areas that have been shaved, taped, or abraded. Present as tender areas that, over several days, develop a

reddened nodular swelling; carbuncles present as the coalescence of multiple furuncles in a deep, purulent mass.

Impetigo Bullous impetigo presents on the trunk or the extremities

with raised blisters that rupture easily, resulting in moist erosions surrounded by a scaly rim.

Non-bullous impetigo presents with thin walled vesicles that rupture into a honey-colored crust.

Prevention of Skin Diseases

A clean environment in the athletic training rooms, locker rooms, athletic equipment and all athletic facilities will aid in the prevention of common skin diseases. In addition to cleaning facilities, there are practices athletes should follow as well. The following should be encouraged:

Good hand hygiene practices. o Washing hands after caring for an athlete or handling any used athletic equipment. o Hand sanitizer is a suitable substitute when soap and water are not available.

Overall hygiene practices.o Shower after every practice and game using an antimicrobial soap.o Refrain from cosmetic body shaving.o Washing soiled clothing, including practice gear, undergarments, outerwear, and uniforms on a daily basis.o Discourage athletes from sharing towels and clothing. o Covering open wounds like scrapes or scratches with appropriate bandages to help prevent the spread of

infection to self or other athletes.

Managing skin infection. If an athlete has a possible or confirmed skin infection, they should not participate in any athletic event until they are treated and cleared by a medical doctor. All suspect areas need to stay covered while in athletics or school to prevent a possible spread. The athlete should see their school athletic trainer for any questions or concerns and have the area evaluated and covered.

HAND WASHING IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT BEHAVIOR IN PREVENTING INFECTIOUS DISEASE