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Published on: November 6, 2020

Cutaneous fungal and viral infections in athletes

Michael D Pleacher1, William W Dexter

  • 1McKay-Dee Sports Medicine, Ogden, UT 84403, USA. mike.pleacher@intermountainmail.org <mike.pleacher@intermountainmail.org>

Clinics in Sports Medicine
|September 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Team physicians must recognize common fungal and viral skin infections in athletes to prevent outbreaks. Proper diagnosis and management ensure safe return to play and protect others from contagious diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Fungal and viral skin infections are prevalent in athletic populations.
  • These infections can rapidly spread among teammates and opponents.
  • Familiarity with common conditions is crucial for team physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common fungal and viral cutaneous infections in athletes.
  • To emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis and management.
  • To guide safe return-to-play protocols and prevent disease transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Review of common fungal infections (tinea corporis, tinea capitis, tinea pedis).
  • Review of common viral infections (herpes simplex, molluscum contagiosum, human papillomaviruses).
  • Discussion of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Athletes are susceptible to various superficial fungal and viral infections.
  • Early identification and treatment are key to controlling outbreaks.
  • Effective management facilitates an athlete's safe return to competition.

Conclusions:

  • Team physicians require knowledge of common cutaneous infections in athletes.
  • Appropriate medical management prevents disease spread and ensures athlete safety.
  • Preventing outbreaks protects the entire athletic community.

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