• Skin Infections 

     

     

    Any abnormal spot or lesion on the skin should be evaluated by the certified athletic trainer to determine if further referral is necessary.

    If any abnormal spot or lesion is suspected for referral a clearance note from a physician will be required before an athlete can return to play.

    Depending on the diagnosis an athlete could be held from play for a few days until the spot or lesion is no longer contagious. 

    Below are some treatment guidelines that suggest the MINIMUM TREATMENT before an athlete can return to play.

    1. Bacterial Lesions (ex: impetigo or boils)

    • Considered "non-contagious". ALL lesions must be scabbed over with no oozing or discharge and no new lesions can occur in the preceding 48 hours. Oral antibiotics for 3 days is considered the minimum treatment to achieve that status. If new lesions continue to develop or drain after 72 hours, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus should be considered and the minimum treatment of oral antibiotics should be extended to 10 days before the athlete can return to play or until lesions are scabbed over.

    2. Viral Lesions (ex: herpes zoster or molluscum contagiosum)

    • Considered "non-contagious". ALL lesions must be scabbed over with no oozing or discharge and no new lesions can occur in the preceding 48 hours. For the first occurrence of Herpes Gladiatorum an athlete should be treated ASAP and NOT allowed to compete for a minimum of 10 days. If signs and symptoms of fever and swollen lymph nodes are present, then the minimum period of treatment should be extended to 14 days. Recurrent outbreaks require a minimum of 120 hours or 5 days of oral anti-viral medication until no new lesions have developed and/or scabbed over.
    • Upon treatment with cuttage and hyfrecator an athlete may cover a lesion with biooclusive and compete.

    3. Fungal Lesions (ex: ringworm on skin/scalp or athlete's foot)

    • Topical or oral medication for 72 hours on skin/oral medication for 14 days on scalp.
    • Topical antifungal medication for 14 days.

    4. Parasitic Lesions (ex: scabies or lice)

    • Topical medication for 24 hours. 

    5. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

    • Topical or oral medication for 24 hours.

    For up-to-date information on skin infections, visit healthline.com