Myriad dermatoses can affect athletes. One of the most common cutaneous manifestations of athletic activity are skin infections. Bacteria,^1–4 viruses,^1,2,4–8 and fungi^1,2,4,9–11 cause these infections. Many are contagious and may have serious ramifications for team practices and competitions. Knowledge of these infections facilitates implementation of rapid treatment and preventive measures to ensure the least disruption in daily team activities.

Several specific sports related dermatological conditions are caused by bacterial infection. Staphylococcal infection is the most common but streptococcal infection also commonly occurs.^1–4 Both organisms may present as varying clinical entities including impetigo, erysipelas, folliculitis,^1,2,4 and furunculosis.³ In general, they are probably contagious to some degree. Impetigo, characterised by well defined, erythematous, yellow crusted, scaling plaques, and erysipelas, characterised by well defined, advancing, erythematous plaques, can be treated with topical warm soaks and oral antibiotics.^1,4 Folliculitis presents as small follicular pustules that can be treated with topical or oral antibiotics.¹ These bacterial infections occur in sports in which close personal contact occurs, including rugby, judo, and wrestling.^2,4 Furunculosis outbreaks, however, have been noted also in football and basketball athletes. One study showed that 25% of high school athletes in these sports developed furunculosis.³ …