Download Skin Disease parent education

Sister Kenny Sports &
Physical Therapy Center
Athletic Training
(763) 684-3893
Management of Skin Disease
The topic of skin disease in wrestling is not new, but it has become more significant
since the Minnesota State High School League called for an eight day halt to the
wrestling season in February 2007 due to a breakout of herpes gladiatorum. The best
management strategy for skin disease is prevention.
The following methods are useful in the prevention of skin diseases:
 Washing of the mats prior to practice every day with solutions that will kill viruses
and bacteria following the directions from the manufacturer.
 Clothing worn by athletes to practice should be changed daily (socks, shorts,
shirts)
 Clean and disinfect gym bags if the athlete is carrying dirty workout gear home to
be washed and then bringing clean gear back to school in the same bag. This
problem can also be prevented by using disposable bags for practice laundry.
 Wash athletic gear (such as knee or elbow pads) periodically and hang to dry
 Athletes should shower using soap immediately after practice
 Each athlete should use their own soap and not share with teammates
 All athletes should use their own towel and not share
 Athletes should wear shower shoes while showering
 Any open wounds should be properly covered before practice
 Athletes should wash their hands frequently
Recognition of Skin Disease
It is vital that an athlete who has any type of lesion have it checked promptly. Waiting
until a suspicious patch of skin looks like the pictures you see in books or on websites is
too late. By the time a lesion is spreading or open it is contagious. Daily skin checks
performed by the coaches or athletic trainer can be helpful in identifying skin lesions
early.
Here is basic information on the types of skin diseases that commonly affect wrestlers:
Bacterial Disease – (impetigo, boils). This is a form of Staphylococcus Aureus or
Group A Streptococcus. When the lesions begin appearing they are often only red
raised bumps, as they progress to impetigo they begin to ooze and develop a honey
colored crust. Can be spread via skin-to-skin contact or fomites (inanimate objects such
as mats, knee pads, or head gear).
Management of Skin Disease
Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphyloccus Aureus (MRSA) – this is a
form of a staph infection that has become resistant to common antibiotic treatments. If
impetigo is being treated and new lesions continue to appear or drain after 72 hours the
athlete may be suffering from a MRSA infection and needs to go back to a doctor. It
can look identical to other forms of staph infections, but usually doesn’t respond to
common antibiotics. MRSA infections also may present as boils (raised bumps) or look
like a “spider bite”. It is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with
shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else's infection
(e.g., towels, used bandages).
Herpes – the form of herpes that usually affects wrestlers is the Herpes simplex type I
virus, it is also called Herpes Gladiatorum. It is contagious via direct skin to skin contact.
The lesions are usually a small reddish bump, often in a cluster. The most common
area to be infected is the side of the face and neck. People may often have other
symptoms such as a fever, enlarged lymph nodes and generally not feel well. Once a
person has had an outbreak of herpes they are more likely to have recurrences. Some
physicians will prescribe daily preventive anti-viral medication for those with multiple
outbreaks or a history of cold sores.
Ringworm – this is a fungus (tinea corporis gladiatorum) and generally presents as a
red, raised patch of skin and is often somewhat scaly. This is contagious via direct
contact.
If your child may have a skin disease:
 It is best to see your family physician instead of going to the ER or Urgent Care
for this type of problem as consistent follow-up is important
 If you do not have a family physician, Dr Brett Oden at the Buffalo Clinic is a
family and sports medicine physician who has experience in management of skin
disease in wrestling
 Please take along with you a copy of the Minnesota State High School League
Wrestling Skin Condition Report. This will need to be filled out by the physician
and returned to the coach before the athlete will be allowed to participate again.
 Please ensure that your child takes any prescribed medication for the condition
as directed
 Monitor other family members for symptoms of the skin condition
 Please make sure that the athletic trainer at your school is aware of the potential
skin disease issue so that he or she can help to coordinate documentation and
management of the diagnosis with the coaches.
Sources: Minnesota Department of Health, National Athletic Trainers Association, Minnesota State High School
League