Pinning Down Skin Infections

Wrestling fosters skin infections such as herpes simplex, tinea corporis, and impetigo. Visual examination often suggests the diagnosis, but some lesions, like late-stage herpes, can mimic other conditions, like impetigo; laboratory studies therefore may be required. Drug therapy can mitigate an infection and help prevent recurrence. In addition, physicians must know when to disqualify a wrestler and how to prevent an outbreak through measures like good hygiene and immediate diagnosis.