Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria that usually produces blisters or sores on the face and hands. It is very common among small children. It usually develops when there is a sore or rash that has been repetitively scratched and is treated with antibiotics.

Impetigo on the chin

Symptoms of Impetigo
Impetigo starts out as blisters on the skin; these blisters can vary in size and are very itchy. The blisters eventually burst and leave small wet patches of skin and often weep fluid. A yellowish-brown crust forms over the sores. The infection is spread through contact, usually by scratching and then touching another part of the body. It can also be spread by touching infected clothing, towels or sports equipment.

Treatment of Impetigo
Impetigo can be treated with antibiotic ointment but oral antibiotics can be prescribed as well. Healing should start within a few days but it is very important to finish the antibiotics. The sores should also be washed with antiseptic soap daily. Crusted areas can be soaked with warm water to help remove the layers, all crust does not have to be removed, though. Because impetigo is so contagious, covering infected areas during athletic practices and competitions is usually not enough to prevent spreading of the infection.

Prevention of Impetigo
Good hygiene is the best preventative step. All athletes with impetigo should not come into contact with teammates because of how highly contagious the infection is. It is very important to not scratch the sores because the bacteria can then live under the nails and be easily transferred elsewhere. Wash hands often with antibacterial soap and wash clothing of infected persons separately and in hot water. Athletes with impetigo typically do not miss much action as the infection does respond to treatment quickly.

Common Fungal Infections
The most common types of fungal infections seen in athletes are referred to as Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) and Ringworm (tinea corporis). Both are caused by similar types of fungi. Fungi are present everywhere in the environment and thrive in warm, moist areas like locker rooms and wrestling rooms.


Athlete's Foot on the instep.

Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis)
In the case of Athlete’s Foot, the fungi grow on the surface of the skin. Since fungi prefer warm, moist areas, the infection is usually found between the toes, along the instep of the foot or on the heel. Athlete’s foot is extremely contagious and is spread through contact with the fungi. It can spread by touching the infection directly but also by walking barefoot through a locker room or shower area. It can also be present in shoes, especially if they are not well ventilated or too tight. People can spread the infection to others through close contact even if they don’t break out with it themselves.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
The skin becomes itchy, scaly, peels and cracks. In severe cases, the infection can move to the toenails causing them to thicken, crumble or even fall out. Blisters can also form along the instep and between the toes. These blisters are usually accompanied by a bacterial infection, which just makes the whole situation worse.

Treatment of Athlete’s Foot
In many cases it can be treated at home using over-the-counter anti-fungal medication such as Lamisil AT, Micatin or Tinactin, there are many others too. If non-prescription remedies fail, you doctor can give you an oral anti-fungal medication. It is very important to continue to treat the infection, whether topically or orally for the prescribed amount of time because although the fungus responds quickly to medication, reinfection is very common.

Prevention of Athlete’s Foot
Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Wear cotton socks they absorb sweat and change socks before practice. Wear shower sandals in public places. Use anti-fungal powder on the feet. Allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. Wash socks and items that come into contact with the fungi in hot water.


Ringworm on the leg

Symptoms of Ringworm (tinea corporis)
Infections referred to as Ringworm are not actually cause by a worm. There is no parasite involved, it's fungus. Common locations for ringworm are on the skin, scalp or nails. It spreads quickly, is often itchy and appears as a rash with reddish patches with blister-like bumps around the edges and is usually somewhat round in shape. Ringworm can be spread by sharing contaminated towels, clothing and sport equipment. It is extremely common in wrestling because of the close skin to skin contact, but can be contracted anywhere and is not a condition exclusive to wrestlers.

Treatment of Ringworm
The same over-the-counter topical medications and oral medications can be used for ringworm as used for athlete’s foot. The rash will respond quickly but that does not mean the fungi are dead so continue to treat it for 2-4 weeks. If untreated, the rash can develop blisters which when after they open can become infected with bacteria.

Prevention of Ringworm
If you have athlete’s foot, the fungus can spread to other areas of the skin and cause a ringworm outbreak; so make sure to wash hands after treating other fungal infections, after showering and after dressing. Wear loose clothing that breathes well. Do not share clothing, towels or sports equipment. Shower and shampoo after coming into contact with someone who is infected. Keep pets clean and groomed as they can carry fungus that can cause ringworm in people.

Julie Haren ATC/L