1. Skin Conditions in Athletics Can be caused or made worse by athletic participation Can be prevented with proper hygiene & ensuring that equipment & shoes fit properly Usually caused by bacteria or fungi that thrive in warm, damp areas Infectious forms can spread rapidly in contact sports

2. Acne Mechanica Results from heat, pressure, occlusion, and friction Usually occurs on shoulders, back, head Common result when using tight, synthetic clothing, helmets, & shoulder pads

3. Plantar Warts Small, hard growths on the bottom of the foot Caused by a virus; contagious Treatment: cutting, burning, freezing off Prevention: DON’T WALK BAREFOOT @ SCHOOL/GYM--EVER

4. Herpes Gladiatorum Type of herpes fungal infection Transmitted through skin-to-skin contact Treatment: topical & oral antifungal medications Out 10-15 days

5. Fungal Infections Occur in warm, moist areas of body Tinea pedis: fungal infection that thrives in warmth & dampness; often referred to as Athlete’s Foot or ringworm Tinea Cruris: fungal infection found in the groin area; often referred to as Jock Itch

6. Fungal Infections, cont. Symptoms:  Inflammation  Burning  Itching  Scaling  Blistering Treatment Goal:  Reduce moisture  Avoid transmission Treatment  At home, take off shoes & expose feet to air  Change socks & underwear daily  Dry feet carefully after using public locker room  Avoid walking barefoot in public areas  Don’t wear thick clothing for long periods in warm weather  Throw away worn out shoes  Do not share shoes, headgear, towels

7. Fungal Infections, cont.

8. Blisters Caused by friction, along with heat & moisture Tear occurs, forming space between layers of skin Fluid seeps into space-skin bubbles Treatment:  Relieve pain  Keep blister from enlarging  Avoid infection Prevention:  Keep skin lubricated  Properly fitting shoes & socks

9. MRSA Type of staph infection resistant to antibiotics Transmission  Person-to-person contact  Poor hygiene  Shared equip., towels  Improperly cleaned equipment Symptoms  A skin abscess  Drainage of pus or other fluids from the site  Fever  Warmth/Reddening around the infected area Diagnosis  Only through microbial testing Treatment:  Surgically excised  Powerful antibiotics

10. 10 Ways to Avoid MRSA Keep hands clean Shower immediately following activity Avoid whirlpools or common tubs Avoid sharing towels, razors, daily athletic gear Properly wash athletic gear & towels after each use Maintain clean facilities & equipment Inform or refer to appropriate health care Administer or seek first aid Encourage health care professionals to seek bacterial cultures for proper diagnosis Care & cover skin lesions/cut properly before participation