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MRSA
MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is becoming more and more
commonplace in the community. Outbreaks of MRSA have been identified in participants of
competitive sports in several states. For these reasons, it is important for coaches, players,
and athletic trainers to understand means to prevent MRSA from spreading.
Staphylococcus aureus, often nicknamed “staph,” are bacteria commonly carried on the skin
and in the nose. Approximately 25-30% of the population carry this bacteria but are still
healthy. This is referred to as being “colonized” with the staph germ. Staph can cause
infections, such as minor skin infections as pimples or boils, or more major infections like
pneumonia.
MRSA is a type of staph which is resistant to a class of antibiotics which include methicillin,
oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Approximately 1% of the population is “colonized” with
MRSA. MRSA got its “foothold” in places such as nursing homes and Intensive Care Units of
hospitals, where multiple-antibiotic use has allowed the bacteria to mutate and adapt in order
to survive. However, community-acquired MRSA is becoming more prevalent. Athletes are in
a group which is at higher risk for developing community-acquired MRSA infections than the
general population, since spread is more likely due to increased skin-to-skin contact and
presence of cuts/abrasions in this group of people.
To prevent staph or MRSA skin infections:

HYGIENE: Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or by using
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Shower after working out. Wear shower shoes.

WOUND CARE: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered until they have healed. If
a wound cannot be covered adequately, consider excluding players with potentially
infectious skin lesions from practice or competitions until the lesions are healed or can
be covered adequately. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages, or
sharing of antibiotic ointments or other salves that may have inadvertently become
contaminated.

PERSONAL ITEMS: Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or personal
equipment that has had skin to skin contact.

LAUNDRY: Wash towels, etc., in hot water (and bleach, if able) and use a hot air
dryer to dry them.

SHARED EXERCISE EQUIPMENT: Use a barrier such as clothing or a towel between
your skin and shared exercise equipment. Wipe surfaces of equipment with
antibacterial spray or dilute bleach solution (one part bleach to 5 parts water) before
and after use. Have a routine cleaning schedule for shared equipment.
If you think you have a staph or MRSA infection, see your health care provider. Most staph
and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics, but the antibiotics prescribed should be
finished completely, even if the infection is getting better, unless your health care provider
tells you otherwise. Do not share unfinished antibiotics with others or “save” antibiotics for
another time. When infections are only partially treated, there is greater likelihood that
resistant strains of bacteria will develop. If your infection does not seem to be getting better
after a few days after your visit to your health care provider, contact them again.
If you have been told you have had MRSA, it is felt that you may stay “colonized” with the
MRSA. That is, the MRSA may continue to exist on your skin or in your nose, without causing
active disease, or could possibly cause infections in the future. It is important to tell any
health care providers who treat you that you had MRSA in the past. To prevent possible
spread of MRSA to others, follow the hygiene tips above.