Skin Infections In Wrestling

1. Skin Infections In Wrestling Mr. Staub SGASD Athletic Trainer staubm@sgasd.org 717-225-4731 ext. 7539

2. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) • Fungal Skin Infection • Transmitted primarily through skin to skin contact • Prevalence rate is between 20% - 55% in high school wrestling • Preventative measures can limit the spread

3. Ringworm

4. Ringworm (Tinea Capitis) - Scalp

5. Ringworm (Tinea Pedis) – Athlete’s Foot

6. Ringworm • Most common locations are: • Head • Neck • Arms • Trunk • Rarely located on the legs • Thrives in dark, moist, warm environments

7. Ringworm • The distribution of lesions in wrestling supports skin to skin contact • If wrestling mats played a role in the transmission, more lesions would be located on the lower extremity • Cultures of the wrestling mats have not been supportive in their role in transmission

8. Ringworm • Prevention • Shower immediately after practice • Launder your clothing daily • Shampoo your hair daily (Dandruff Shampoo) • Do not share towels, clothing, headgear, razors, etc. • Wear sandals in the locker room and shower • Skin checks before practice/events on a periodic basis • Infected wrestlers should not wrestle

9. Ringworm • Treatment • Topical Therapy • Anti-Fungal creams/ointments (Lamisil, Lotramin AF, etc.) • Apply to the area 2-3 times a day for 3-4 weeks • Continue for the above time period even when the lesion is no longer visible • Oral Therapy • Pills prescribed by your Doctor • Take as directed

10. Ringworm • Return to wrestle guidelines • MINIMUM of 72 hours of oral or topical treatment • MINIMUM of 14 days if on the scalp • Solitary or close clustered lesions must be covered before wrestling

11. MRSA – Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus • Bacterial infection caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria • Often called “Staph” infection • Usually start out looking like small red bumps resembling pimples, boils, or spider bites • They can quickly turn into deep painful abscesses that require draining

12. MRSA • Infections can stay on the skin OR • It can penetrate into the body causing life-threatening infections in the bones, joints, blood stream, heart valves and lungs

13. MRSA • About 1/3 of the population is “colonized” with this bateria on their skin or in their nose • They may not be sick, but can pass the bacteria on to other people • It is generally harmless unless it enters the body through a cut or wound

14. MRSA • Over time, this bacteria has become resistant to many of the drugs that are on the market

15. MRSA

16. MRSA • Risk Factors • Participating in contact sports • Sharing towels or other personal items • Weakened immune system • Crowded and unsanitary conditions

17. MRSA • Treatment • Tissue sample or nasal swab to see if it MRSA • Will respond to certain medications • Vancomycin can be used to treat MRSA • It has been becoming less effective • Many doctors may just drain the abscess

18. MRSA • Prevention • Wash your hands • Keep your personal items personal • Keep all wounds covered • Shower after practice/matches • Wash your clothing daily • Get tested if you suspect MRSA • Removed from competition if infected

19. MRSA • Return to Wrestle Guidelines • If it has been diagnosed, there should be a MINIMUM of 10 days of oral antibiotics before returning to competition or until all lesions are scabbed over

20. Impetigo • Bacterial skin infection – Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria • Highly contagious • Signs and Symptoms • Red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days, then form a yellowish-brown crust • Itching • Painless, fluid-filled blisters • More seriouspainful fluid/pus filled blisters that turn into deep ulcers

21. Impetigo

22. Impetigo

23. Impetigo • Risk Factors • Direct skin to skin contact • Crowded conditions • Warm, humid environment • Contact with contaminated objects – towels, clothing etc.

24. Impetigo • Can lead to MRSA if not treated • Treatment • Change in hygiene habits • Topical Antibiotic • Oral Antibiotic • Prevention • Wash hands and clothing • Shower after practice • Do not share personal items

25. Impetigo • Return to Wrestle Guidelines • To be considered Non-Contagious • All lesions must be scabbed over with no oozing or discharge and no new lesions should have occurred in the preceding 48 hours • Oral antibiotics for 3 days is considered a MINIMUM to achieve this status • If new lesions continue to develop or drain after 72 hours, MRSA should be considered10 days off

26. Herpes Simplex 1 (Cold Sore) • Viral infections that usually occurs around the mouth or face, but can occur anywhere over the body • Once you have herpes, you always have it • It can reoccur at anytime, usually in the the same general region • Virus lies dormant in your nerve cells • Once triggered, it travels the nerve path to the skin and causes the cold sore

27. Herpes Simplex 1 (Cold Sore) • What causes the cold sore to reappear: • Illness, fever, or the flu • Exposure to sun • Stress • Changes to immune system • Trauma to the skin

28. Herpes Simplex 1 (Cold Sore)

29. Herpes Simplex 1 (Cold Sore) • Signs and Symptoms • Group of blisters on a red base • Dry up rapidly and leave scabs • May itch • Sometimes preceded by tingling or burning in the area from a few hours to a couple of days

30. Herpes Simplex 1 (Cold Sore) • Return to Wrestle Guidelines • To be considered non-contagious, all lesions must be scabbed over with no oozing or discharge and no new lesions should have occurred in the preceding 48 hours • 1st Episodetreated and not allowed to compete for a MINIMUM of 10 days • If fever and swollen lymph nodes are presenttreatment extended to 14 days • Recurrent outbreaks require a MINIMUM of 5 full days of oral anti-viral treatment

31. Molluscum Contagiosum • Viral skin infection • Firm bumps that are painless • Usually disappear within a 6-12 months without treatment • If scratched open, they can spread • Spread through direct skin to skin contact and contact with contaminated objects

32. Molluscum Contagiosum

33. Molluscum Contagiosum • Treatment • Removal by: • Scrapping or curettage • Freezing • Laser therapy • Medications to remove warts • Adhesive tapes????

34. Molluscum Contagiosum • Return to Wrestle Guidelines • 24 hours after curettage

35. Eczema • Chronic itchy rash that tends to come and go • Exact cause in unknown, but is likely due to a combination of dry, irritable skin together with a malfunction of the immune system

36. Eczema

37. Take Home Message • Do not share personal items • Shower after practice/matches • Wash clothing daily • Wash hands frequently • Cover all wounds • Seek advice from your athletic trainer

38. Questions????? Mr. Staub staubm@sgasd.org 717-225-4731 ext. 7539