In the world of sports, most injuries are expected—sprains, bruises, even fractures. But what about the ones you can’t see coming? The kind that starts with a simple turf burn, a scraped elbow, or an unwashed wrestling mat?

We’re talking about skin infections—specifically Staph and MRSA—and why every athlete, coach, and parent should know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to them.

What Is Staph? What Is MRSA?

We are going to start this out with the basics.

Staphylococcus aureus, often called “Staph,” is a common bacterium found on the skin or in the nose of about 30% of healthy people. It’s usually harmless—until it enters the body through a break in the skin.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a strain of Staph that’s resistant to many antibiotics. It’s harder to treat, spreads more easily, and can become dangerous very quickly if not caught early.

👉 We cannot emphasize this enough: While all MRSA is Staph, not all Staph is MRSA.

How Do Infections Start and Spread?

In athletic settings, skin-to-skin contact, shared equipment, communal locker rooms, and sweaty environments create the perfect storm for infection. A few common risk factors include:

• Not covering open wounds
• Sharing towels, pads, razors, or uniforms
• Dirty or reused athletic gear
• Inadequate hygiene after practice or games
• Poorly cleaned surfaces in weight rooms and training areas

Even a minor scratch can become an entry point for infection. What starts as a small pimple or red bump can escalate quickly—especially with MRSA.

Spot the Warning Signs Early

Early detection is critical. Whether you’re an athletic trainer doing daily skin checks or a parent checking on a suspicious spot, keep an eye out for:

• Increasing redness or swelling
• Pain or tenderness
• Warmth at the site
• Yellow or green drainage (pus)
• A wound that looks like a “spider bite” but isn’t
• Fever or chills in more advanced cases

MRSA infections can worsen in a matter of days. Waiting “to see if it goes away” is a mistake you can’t afford.

When to Refer — and Why It’s Urgent

If you suspect a skin infection—especially one that’s worsening, draining, or accompanied by fever—get your child immediately to a medical provider.

Do not allow your child to participate until they’ve been evaluated. In most cases, return-to-play requires:

• A healthcare provider’s clearance
• Wounds being completely covered and dry
• No active drainage
• Completion (or continuation) of prescribed treatment

Delays in care can put the entire team at risk.

Prevention Starts Before the Injury

Preventing staph and MRSA isn’t about bubble-wrapping athletes—it’s about smart hygiene and simple, consistent practices:

✅ Encourage athletes to shower with soap immediately after practice
✅ Clean and cover all cuts, abrasions, and turf burns
✅ Avoid sharing personal items (towels, razors, clothing)
✅ Disinfect shared equipment and locker rooms regularly
✅ Wash uniforms and practice gear after each use
✅ Perform regular skin checks, especially in contact sports

The Administrative Angle: It’s Not Just a Medical Concern

School administrators and personnel play a key role in keeping infections out of the locker room. That means:

• Ensuring training rooms are sanitized daily
• Enforcing wound coverage and return-to-play guidelines
• Budgeting for cleaning supplies and hygiene signage
• Supporting athletic trainers in making medical referrals

Prevention is a team effort—and it starts with policy, not panic.

Bottom Line: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Staph and MRSA infections can take a healthy athlete off the field faster than a torn ligament—and they’re often avoidable.

Make skin checks part of the routine. Promote clean habits. Encourage reporting without shame or fear.

Because when it comes to infections, a little prevention goes a long way.

As always, if we here at Country House Athletics can help provide insight or answer any questions, do not hesitate to reach out!