contact with skin of an infected person. It is also transmitted through floors, shower stalls, benches that are contaminated. A less common way in sports, but a way none the less is through petting infected puppies or kittens. Athletes are very susceptible to contracting ringworm because of the body to body contact they endure on a daily basis. The moist portion of the lesion is potent with the disease and that mixed with sweat can get everywhere. Athletic Trainers can spot Ringworm from the Swim team to the basketball team. However the greatest number of individuals who get ringworm every year in athletics are the wrestlers. They have constant close contact and fluids are spread from the infected person, to his opponent, then his opponent wrestles another person and so on and so on. The mats are contaminated and when the wrestlers come into the Training Room, the tables are contaminated as well. The signs and symptoms of Ringworm begin with red, slightly elevated scaly patches. The lesions are ring shaped and new patches arise on the periphery while the central area clears up. This leads to the "ringworm appearance". A great number of people believe there is actually a worm growing under the surface of the skin but this is entirely untrue. The periphery may be dry and scaly or moist and crusted. Tinea Corporis is found usually in non-hairy areas like the face, trunk, arms and legs. Treatment for this condition is very similar to that off Tinea Pedis. Wash the area frequently with soap and water. Apply OTC topical anti-fungal cream to the affected area as directed. Many Training Rooms are already equipped with this cream. The athlete should be excluded from swimming pools and activities that could expose others, including practice while the lesion is open. If the athlete must participate in practice, make sure the area is completely and properly covered. A bioclusive covering, bandage or tape can be used to dre...
