Skin Conditions Related to Wrestling

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It’s tougher to treat than most strains of staph because it’s resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.

The symptoms of MRSA depend on where you are infected. Most often, it causes mild infections on the skin, causing sore or boils. But it can also cause more serious skin infections or infect surgical wounds, the bloodstream, the lungs, or the urinary tract.

MRSA is spread by contact. You could get MRSA by touching another person who has it on their skin. You can also get it by touching objects that have bacteria on them. Community associated MRSA is more common in athletes who experience skin-to-skin contact.

IMPETIGO

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It can appear anywhere on the body but usually attacks exposed areas. Children tend to get it on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, and sometimes on the arms and legs. The infected areas appear in plagues ranging from dime to quarter size, starting as tiny blisters that break and expose moist, red skin. After a few days the infected area is covered with a grainy, golden crust that gradually spreads to the edges.

Most people get this highly infectious disease through physical contact with someone who has it, or from sharing the same clothes, bedding, towels, or other objects.

RINGWORM

Ringworm, or tinea corporis, is a fungal condition of the skin that may develop on the face, limbs, or trunk of the body. It usually appears as an itchy, raised red circular patch with a scaly border. As the patch gets larger, the center heals, leaving a ring-like appearance. The resulting circular patches can vary from small to very large.

You can get ringworm by direct bodily contact with infected individuals or infected pets, as well as items that have been in contact with those individuals and pets. Fungi thrive in moist, warm skin. Athletes involved in contact sports are usually very susceptible.

PREVENTION OF SKIN CONDITIONS

·  Shower after playing sports

·  Dry yourself thoroughly after bathing or swimming

·  Wash clothes after each workout

·  Avoid contact with infected individuals

·  Have infected pets treated

·  Don’t share towels or clothing with others

This information, obtained from the website WEBMD, is intended as a guideline only. Please seek the advice of your healthcare professional for treatment.