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Written by Jason Browdy, M.D.
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Page 2 of 3
MRSA Recognition and Treatment Coaches, team physicians, and most importantly Athletic Trainers must have a high index of suspicion for MRSA when a soft-tissue lesion is noted in an athlete. This is especially true when an athlete has recent soft-tissue abrasions from turf or mats. It is not uncommon for an athlete with a soft-tissue MRSA infection to believe that he or she has been bitten by a bug or spider.
Once an infection has been identified, it is imperative that wounds are carefully covered with dressings to prevent spread to others. A consultation with a physician should be arranged as soon as possible so that antibiotic therapy can be initiated if appropriate. Some infections may even require drainage. If rapid progression of symptoms occur, the athlete might require hospitalization.
A decontamination protocol for the facility and for exposed individuals should be in place for documented cases of MRSA.
MRSA PreventionSeveral essential steps should be taken to help prevent the spread of MRSA in the athletic environment:
- Limit uniform and equipment sharing
- Routinely clean all equipment with an Environmental Protection Agency approved disinfectant detergent
- Consider wiping down non-washable gear (such as helmets) with alcohol after each use
- Towels, razors and personal hygiene equipment should not be shared
- Athletes should shower with soap immediately after each practice, game or event
- Athletes must shower before using communal whirlpools
- Institutions might consider making chlorhexidine soap available
- Players at risk for skin abrasions should wear skin strips and protective sleeves
- Abrasions should be reported and observed carefully
- All wounds on athletes should be aggressively monitored
- Athletic trainers must become familiar with adequately dressing wounds with occlusive dressings
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