Sport-Related Cutaneous Infections: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Sports Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Bacterial and viral skin infections are prevalent in combat athletes, leading to significant training and competition time loss.
• Increasing antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and dermatophytes complicates standard treatment protocols.
• Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a growing cause of impetigo, folliculitis, and cellulitis, requiring specific management.
• The rise of tinea incognito and terbinafine-resistant Trichophyton tonsurans presents challenges in treating fungal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the risks and challenges of managing bacterial and viral cutaneous infections in combat athletes.
• To emphasize the need for updated treatment recommendations due to rising antimicrobial resistance.
• To address the specific difficulties posed by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and resistant dermatophytes.
• To underscore the importance of adjusted treatment guidelines for athletes undergoing weight cycling or rapid weight loss.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on cutaneous infections in athletes.
• Analysis of the prevalence and resistance patterns of key pathogens like MRSA and T. tonsurans.
• Examination of treatment strategies for common bacterial and fungal infections in sports settings.
• Consideration of factors influencing treatment, such as weight cycling in athletes.

Main Results:

• Standard antimicrobials may be insufficient due to widespread resistance.
• MRSA is a frequent cause of common skin infections in this population.
• Dermatophyte infections are increasingly difficult to treat due to resistance to standard antifungals like terbinafine.
• Athletes engaging in weight cycling require specialized treatment considerations.

Conclusions:

• Updated treatment guidelines are essential for effectively managing resistant bacterial and fungal skin infections in combat athletes.
• Correct management of MRSA is critical for eradicating infections like impetigo, folliculitis, and cellulitis.
• Addressing terbinafine-resistant T. tonsurans and tinea incognito requires revised therapeutic approaches.
• Further research and adjusted protocols are needed for athletes with specific physiological challenges like weight cycling.