Skin infections in athletes, including community-associated
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), are
extremely common. The nature of athletics, which expose the skin to a
wide variety of stresses, trauma, environmental factors,
and infectious agents, all combine to continually attack the integrity
of the skin and lead to considerable disruption to individual and team
activities. A new position
statement by the National Athletic Trainers' Association, says that
recognition of skin diseases is absolutely essential, particularly by
certified athletic trainers, who "represent the first line of defense
against spread of infections to other team members."
