Cutaneous fungal and viral infections in athletes

Abstract

Fungal and viral cutaneous infections are common among athletes and can develop quickly into widespread outbreaks. To prevent such outbreaks, the team physician must be familiar with common cutaneous infections including tinea corporis, tinea capitis, tinea pedis, herpes simplex, molluscum contagiosum, and human papillomaviruses. Appropriate treatment and management of these infections allows the athlete to safely return to play and safeguards teammates and opponents against the spread of these diseases.