Treating and avoiding herpes and tinea infections in contact sports.

Abstract

Sports that require skin-to-skin contact between competitors, such as wrestling, create environments where infections can spread. Skin screening checks are made before any wrestling competition, but this usually doesn't happen with other sports. Two of the most common skin infections are herpes gladiatorum (caused by the same virus that causes cold sores) and tinea gladiatorum, also known as ringworm (caused by a fungus). These skin infections can spread rapidly among teammates, coaches, and opponents, so it is very important to treat the infection as soon as it is discovered. Athletes who have active skin infections can be disqualified from competition and withheld from practice.