Contact Info
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
Skin Infections in Athletes
Skin infections account for up to 10% of time-loss injuries in some sports and can cause serious illness. Skin infections can be spread from one athlete to another. You can help protect athletes from becoming sick or losing playing time due to skin infections.
- Skin Infections
The three most important skin infections in athletes are Staphylococcus aureus "Staph", Herpes, and Tinea “Ringworm”.
Infections can lead to | Get it checked out | Risk factors for passing skin infections
- Preventing Skin Infections in Athletes
Information about minimizing your risk of getting a skin infection.
- Excluding Athletes from Competition or Practice
When to refer an athlete to a health care provider, exclude them from competition or practice, and allow them to return to competition or practice.
- Skin Infections: Information for Athletes and Families
Fact sheet for athletes and families.
- Skin Infections: Information for Coaches and Team Leaders
Fact sheet for coaches and team leaders.
- Skin Examination of Athletes
Skin examination of athletes fact sheet for coaches and team leaders. - Guidelines and Resources
Guidelines, resources, and fact sheets for coaches and health care professionals for skin infections in athletes.
- Print Materials
Fact sheets, booklets, brochures, flyers, and other materials that you can print and use.
Last Updated: 10/05/2022