Returning to Sport After a Skin Infection: Five Questions to Ask
Missing practice because of a skin infection can be frustrating. The safest return depends on the diagnosis, treatment, wound status, sport and the rules of the team or governing body. Eczema itself is not the same as an infection.
Five useful questions
| Question | Useful detail |
|---|---|
| 1. What is the diagnosis? | Bacterial, viral and fungal conditions can look alike but need different treatment. |
| 2. Is it contagious? | Ask what contact and equipment precautions apply to your specific infection. |
| 3. When can I return? | Follow your clinician's clearance and the current rules for your sport. |
| 4. Does it need a dressing? | Ask whether covering is appropriate; a bandage alone does not always satisfy return-to-play rules. |
| 5. How do I protect others? | Use personal towels and equipment and follow cleaning and wound-care instructions. |
A 2011 review describes the challenge of managing bacterial, viral and fungal skin infections under different sports return-to-play rules. Because the review is older and rules change, use current instructions from your clinician and governing body rather than a universal number of days.
Get help early
CDC recommends prompt care for a possible skin infection, including a painful, warm, swollen or pus-filled sore. Do not pick or pop it. A sudden painful blistering rash in someone with eczema can need immediate evaluation for eczema herpeticum.
Moisturizer can support ordinary dry-skin care where appropriate, but it does not treat a bacterial, fungal or viral infection.
Dr. Arsy Hydration Recovery Moisturizer #003 is a fragrance-free moisturizer for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Use according to the label and your skin's tolerance. It is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Related: eczema herpeticum warning signs and shared-mat hygiene.
Sources and further reading
- Skin infections in athletes and return to play: review; PubMed.
- CDC: MRSA prevention for athletes.
- NCBI Bookshelf: eczema herpeticum.
Educational information from Dr. Arsy, not individual medical advice. Cited organizations and researchers do not endorse this product.