Skin infections are on the rise in high contact sports, accounting for up to 10% of missed playing time, especially at the high school level. One team of professionals in Minnesota are seeking to quell the rise of MRSA, herpes, and ringworm in their high school athletic population.

Ways to prevent infection include frequent hand washing and showering, as well as regular medical checkups, and covering open sores or wounds with bandages. In addition, it is recommended that athletic clothing be washed frequently, and that athletes avoid sharing personal items such as razors and towels.

Additionally, regular sleep, stress reduction, and maintaining good skin hydration can all be helpful in boosting immunity and preventing the spread of other opportunistic skin infections.

If you’d like to learn more about safeguarding your teen athlete, you can get more information here: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/athlete/

MRSA was first noted in health care settings in the 1960’s, usually among those patients who had been hospitalized or were in nursing homes long term. In the past few years, however, a new type of MRSA has emerged; this type impacts people outside of health care settings.

This new strain has been reported among military recruits, correctional facility inmates, and among athletes. The infection is becoming more common in people who are not members of any particular high risk group.

Most often, this type of MRSA shows up as a boil or pimple on the skin which may be swollen, red, painful, and exhibit discharge or pus. If you find yourself with this kind of skin condition, be sure to seek medical attention and get proper treatment.