Skin Infections: With the arrival of the winter sports season (and especially wrestling) we see a “rash” of skin infections. The following are a number of useful guidelines and tips regarding prevention, diagnosis, treatment and return to play following these infections.

Prevention

• Shower with soap and water immediately after practice. Anti-bacterial soaps are not necessary.
• Wash all workout clothes after practice. Wear clean workout clothes each day.
• Wash personal gear (pads, headgear) periodically. Hard equipment, such as headgear, can be wiped down with antibacterial or antiviral cleansers. Equipment such as knee and elbow pads can be washed in hot water and bleach in a home washing machine.
• Avoid sharing towels, pads or other personal hygiene products with others.
• Refrain from cosmetic shaving (shaving of the body).
• Cover all open skin wounds (abrasions etc.)
• Body cleansing foams may be beneficial.

Diagnosis & Treatment

• All new skin lesions should be shown to a coach, guardian or athletic trainer before participating in practice or competition.
• All suspicious lesions should be evaluated by medical personnel prior to further sports participation. Self-diagnosis and treatment could delay proper therapy.
• Avoid home remedies such as bleach. These are usually not effective and often harmful.
• Avoid contact activities as well as use of shared surfaces (such as weight equipment) while being treated.
• Evaluate teammates for lesions when one athlete is diagnosed.
• Continue to use topical medications for a few days after the lesions resolve.
• Resistant staph infections appear as large bumps or abscesses. They are often mistaken for insect bites. Have these lesions evaluated immediately. We recommend cultures be obtained on these lesions and that the initial antibiotic be Bactrim (when the athlete is not allergic to sulfa).

Return to Play

• All lesions should be re-evaluated by a medical practitioner prior to being cleared for return to play.
• The lesions need to be designated as “not contagious even when not covered” before returning to play.

Further information is available from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Click here.

Physician appointments:
Guthrie Medical Erwin, Painted Post, NY - (607) 937-4900 or
Guthrie Clinic Sayre, Sayre, PA - (570) 882-2239

Athletic trainer & sports rehabilitation appointments:
HealthWorks, Painted Post, NY - (607) 937-4800 or
Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA - (570) 882-4808