Skin Infections in Athletes

Skin infections account for up to 10% of time-loss injuries in some sports and can cause serious illness. Skin infections can be spread from one athlete to another. You can help protect athletes from becoming sick or losing playing time due to skin infections.

• Skin Infections
  The three most important skin infections in athletes are Staphylococcus aureus "Staph", Herpes, and Tinea “Ringworm”.
  Infections can lead to | Get it checked out | Risk factors for passing skin infections
• Preventing Skin Infections in Athletes
  Information about minimizing your risk of getting a skin infection.
• Excluding Athletes from Competition or Practice
  When to refer an athlete to a health care provider, exclude them from competition or practice, and allow them to return to competition or practice.
• Guidelines and Resources 
  Guidelines, resources, and fact sheets for coaches and health care professionals for skin infections in athletes.

Print Materials
Fact sheets, booklets, brochures, flyers, and other materials that you can print and use. Including:

	Skin Infections: Information for Athletes and Families (PDF) Fact sheet for athletes and families.
	Skin Infections: Information for Coaches and Team Leaders (PDF) Fact sheet for coaches and team leaders.
	Skin Examination of Athletes (PDF) Skin examination of athletes fact sheet for coaches and team leaders.
	A Good Offense is Still the Best Defense! (PDF) Poster for athletes on Staph prevention.