As a well established fact athletes are more prone to skin infection because they are most venerable to unhygienic conditions. Skin infections cause 10% of time-loss sport injuries and can be impediment for the heath of athletes. Skin infections spreads from direct skin contact i.e. skin- to -skin contact which is why they are very contagious.

Skin Infection – Great Loss for Athletes as it can;

• Lead to loss of playing time
• Endanger heath, which is very important for athletic performance
• Recurrent skin infection
• Untreated skin infections can be life endangering

Three most common skin infection found in athletes

1. Staph or Staphylococcus aureus – is bacterial skin infection, causes sores which are painful and have redness around them
2. Herpes – is a viral skin infection with painful blisters having fluid.
3. Ringworm (Tinea) – skin infection is caused by fungi which propagates on the Keratin protein found on nails, hair etc.  ‘Ringworm’ is wrongly considered to be worm attacking the skin, whereas it is a fungi.  The ringworm infection cause circular rashes on the skin.

Other Less Common Infections among Athletes;

1. Jock itch – occurs in the groin region followed with intense itch and rash.
2. Athlete foot – This kind of skin infection is most common among athletes, which is why it is termed as Athlete foot, a fungal infection which affects feet. Athlete’s foot causes the skin to get whitened between the toe with itch and rashes. Occurs mostly in athletes due to moisture, sweat and unhygienic conditions in socks and shoes.
3. MRSA – Is also known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is deadliest of the skin infections because no cure is available for this infection. The only cure available is prevention, as it is resilient to antibiotic use.

Ways To Prevent Athletic Skin Infection

• Any outbreak of skin infection can be dangerous, so it should be reported and treated immediately.
• Before and after having a grappling or wrestling session, have a nice bath with anti bacterial soap.
• Pay attention to the gyming equipments you use, they should be cleaned with antifungal and antibacterial solution.
• Adhere to “do not share policy” for clothes, water bottles, towels, razors and all such personal items.
• Use warm water and antibacterial/antifungal soap for bathing and washing hands.
• Cleans and launder all dirty clothes before wearing for practice session – each time