Transcript Disease Transmission

Classifications of Diseases
 Bacterial –
 Staphylococcus

MRSA
 Streptococcus
 Viral –
 Herpes Simplex
 Warts
 Fungus –
 Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
 Ringworm
Staphylococcus/Streptococcus
 Definition of Staphylococcus:
 Genus of gram-positive bacteria normally present on the skin and
in the upper respiratory tract and prevalent in localized infections.
 Definition of Streptococcus:
 Genus of gram-positive bacteria found in the throat, respiratory
tract, and intestinal tract.
 As a group, these types of bacteria that can cause a
multitude of infections.
 Staph and strep bacteria can cause:




Folliculitis
Boils
Cellulitis
Impetigo
What to look for.
 Signs and Symptoms
 Redness
 Swelling
 Pus
 Streaks
 Warmth
 Pustules
 Muscle Pain
 Fever (Seek immediate medical attention for any skin
reaction that is coupled with a fever.)
Types
 Folliculitis – infection of hair follicle
Types
 Boils – infection of hair follicle that usually results in
pustule formation that becomes enlarged, reddened, and
hard from internal pressure.
Types
 Cellulites – a spreading bacterial infection of the skin
and tissues beneath the skin.
Types
 Impetigo - begins as tiny blisters that eventually burst to reveal small
wet patches of red skin that may weep fluid.
 May form a honey-colored crust.
 Extremely contagious skin infection!!!
Bacterial Infections
 Treatment
 Consult Physician

Antibiotics (oral / topical)
 Don’t squeeze


Squeezing forces infection into adjacent tissues
Will spread infection
 Warm Compress
 Keep area clean
 Cover area when in contact with others
MRSA
(Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
 MRSA is a strain of the common Staphylococcus Aureus
bacteria that has mutated and become unable to be killed
by commonly used antibiotics.
 Previously it was found almost exclusively in hospitals, but now is a
rapidly growing problem in athletics.
 It is estimated that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are carried by
30-50% of the population.
 It is very easily passed from one person to another.
 This is especially troublesome in contact sports and school
playgrounds.
MRSA
 MRSA will present as any other bacterial skin
infection.
 Only physician testing can diagnose MRSA from other
staph infections.
 Because penicillin type antibiotics cannot treat MRSA,
it must be treated properly and promptly or it can
become life threatening!!!
 PREVENTION IS THE KEY!
Herpes simplex
 Strain of virus that is associated with skin and mucous
membrane infection.
 Easily transmitted directly through a lesion in the skin
 Type 1 – affects body (ex. Cold sore)
 Type 2 – affects genitals
 Herpes Zoster – Chicken Pox
 Highly contagious
 Herpes virus can not be cured
 Once infected the virus remains dormant in body between
outbreaks.
 Virus can be transmitted in dormant stage
 Treatment – Antiviral drugs (OTC or Rx)
Common Wart (Verruca vulgaris)

Common on hands or
fingers
 Warts appear small,
round, and elevated with
rough dry surfaces
 Not highly contagious
 Treatment –

OTC meds or by a
physician
Plantar Warts
 Commonly found on the
sole of the foot
 Generally uncomfortable
and point tender
 Appear like cluster of small
black seeds
 Treatment –
 See a physician
 Pad the area around the wart
to allow for comfort during
activity
Athlete’s Foot
 Common form of superficial
fungal infection
 Characterized by itchy, dry,
scaling infection of the sole of
the foot
 Treatment –
 Topical antifungal meds
 Maintain good foot hygiene
Tinea Cruris
 Located in the groin area
 Commonly called “Jock Itch”
 Itchy red-brown scaling plaque on the skin in a outline
of a butterfly shape around the groin
 Treatment –
 OTC or Rx ointments or topical creams
 Avoid using hydrocortisone
 Keep area clean and dry
 Wear loose fitting clothing when infection is present
Tinea Unguim/Onychomycosis
 Fungal infection of the toe
or finger nail
 Common with water sports
or chronic athlete’s foot
 Nail becomes thickened,
brittle, and separated from
its bed
 Treatment –
 See physician for antifungal
cream or removal of nail
Ringworm
 Highly contagious
especially during close
contact
 Presents an itchy, redbrown, scaling, annular
(“ring-shaped”) infection
 Treatment –
 Topical antifungal cream
Who is at risk?
 Anyone who is in physical contact with other
people on a regular basis
 Athletic facilities provide the ideal environment for
bacteria to thrive, as they are warm and humid.
 Athletes also become more susceptible as their immune
system temporarily lowers after a hard workout.
Prevention
 Personal hygiene is key in the prevention
 Thoroughly wash any open wound with soap and water,
no matter how minor it appears.
 Wash hands frequently -- especially before touching any
wound.
 Shower/change clothing after practice/games.
 Keep open wounds covered.
Prevention
 Avoid sharing towels, razors, combs, soap, and items
that touch skin.
 Avoid sharing equipment.
 Regularly wash/clean uniforms AND equipment
 Have antibacterial cleaners available on
sidelines/dugouts/etc.
Proper Hand Washing
 Wet your hands with clean running water and apply
soap.
 Use warm water if it is available.
 Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all
surfaces.
 Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer?
Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a
friend!
 Rinse hands well under running water
 Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
Hand washing alternatives
 Soap and Water is always preferred.
 Alcohol-based hand sanitizer –
 Apply product to the palm of one hand and rub together
until hands and fingers are dry.
For Additional Information…
 Belmont University MRSA prevention Policy
 Contact Belmont University Athletic Training Room
 615-460-5585
References
 Prentice, W E. Arnheim’s principles of Athletic
Training: A Competency-Based Approach. 12th edition.
McGraw-Hill Inc. New York, NY. 2006
Pictures
 Folliculitis
 www.revolutionhealth.com
 www.visualdxhealth.com
 Boils
 MedicineNet, Inc.
 health-speak.blogspot.com
 Cellulites
 www.medhelp.org
 commons.wikimedia.org
 Impetigo
 www.impetigodoctor.com
 www.visualdxhealth.com
 Warts
 MedicineNet, Inc.
 www.nlm.nih.gov
 Athlete’s Foot
 markhamfootclinic.com
 Nail
 www.answers.com
 www.nlm.nih.gov
 Ringworm
 www.askdrsears.com
 www.nlm.nih.gov