Skin Infections in Athletes

Skin infections are common in athletes, especially in contact and combat sports, where skin-to-skin contact, shared mats and equipment, moisture, occlusive kit and minor skin trauma all help them spread.

They fall into 3 groups: viral (herpes gladiatorum), fungal (the tinea infections) and bacterial (impetigo). They matter because they pass readily between athletes, can cause squad outbreaks, and carry clear return-to-play rules. An athlete with an active contagious infection is generally excluded from contact until treated, and covering an untreated lesion does not make contact safe.