Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2023 Jun 1;58(6):502-510.
doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0142.22.

The Identification and Treatment of Common Skin Infections

B J Anderson  1   2 , Logan Wilz  3 , Andrew Peterson  4   5   6
Affiliations

The Identification and Treatment of Common Skin Infections

B J Anderson et al. J Athl Train. .

Abstract

Skin conditions are a common problem addressed by medical providers. Up to 25% of individuals in the United States will seek attention for these conditions each year. The same problem occurs in the athletic training room, where athletes with infectious skin conditions can be seen. Most conditions are simple and can be treated without concern for spread to susceptible athletes. However, others can be quite serious and spread rapidly through a team and opponents during competition. Knowledge of the different types of skin infections is necessary to help treat these athletes and prevent spread to others. With proper diagnosis and treatment, certified athletic trainers can keep the athlete off the field of play for a minimum period and prevent transmission.

Keywords: Folliculitis; abscess; contact sports; herpes; impetigo; molluscum contagiosum; tinea; wrestling.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Impetigo. Weeping and crustiness are key features.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Cellulitis. Warm, red, and firm skin defines this condition.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Folliculitis and abscess. An individual pustule at the base of the hair follicle is classic for folliculitis. An abscess has a reddened area with a fluctuant site with eventual drainage of necrotic material.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Tinea corporis and onychomycosis. The red, flaky area expands circumferentially. When it involves the toenails, it represents onychomycosis.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Primary herpes. Extensive involvement seen with a primary outbreak.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Recurrent herpes. Smaller, localized, and recurrent lesions define this condition.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Molluscum contagiosum. Small papules are diffuse, with a dimpled center and minimal surrounding redness.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Lim HW, Collins SAB, Resneck JS, Jr, et al. The burden of skin disease in the United States. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76((5)):958–972.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.12.043. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Zinder SM, Basler RSW, Foley J, Scarlata C, Vasily DB. National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: skin diseases. J Athl Train. 2010;45((4)):411–428. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-45.4.411. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Dworkin MS, Shoemaker PC, Spitters C, et al. Endemic spread of herpes simplex virus type I among adolescent wrestlers and their coaches. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1999;18((12)):1108–1109. doi: 10.1097/00006454-199912000-00020. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Ashack KA, Button KA, Johnson TR, Currie DW, Comstock RD, Dellavalle RP. Skin infections among US high school athletes: a national survey. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74((4)):679–684.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.10.042. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Number of participants in high-school wrestling in the United States from 2010/2011 to 2021/2022, by gender. Statista Research Department. Accessed July 14, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/268028/participation-in-us-high-scho...