Skin in the Game: Dermatological Lesions and Return to
Play Decisions (Recorded Webinar)
Presented by Kyle Matsel
Dermatologic conditions are common in athletic populations, particularly in contact sports and environments where athletes share equipment and facilities. Bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections can spread rapidly, making early identification and proper return-to-play decisions critical for protecting both individual athletes and teams. However, many sports rehabilitation professionals receive limited training in recognizing infectious skin lesions and are unfamiliar with appropriate return-to-play timelines. This course is designed to enhance the sports rehabilitation professional’s ability to identify common dermatologic conditions encountered in athletes and to make informed return-to-play decisions. Participants will review key clinical features of common bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections, including impetigo, herpes simplex infections, and tinea infections. Evidence-based management strategies and timelines for safe return to training and competition will be emphasized. Dr. Kyle Matsel will guide learners on how to develop the skills to differentiate lesions, implement appropriate management strategies, and determine when athletes can safely return to participation while minimizing the risk of transmission.
Learning Outcomes
- Assess bacterial, viral, and fungal dermatological lesions commonly observed in athletic populations using key clinical characteristics
- Evaluate evidence-based clinical guidelines to determine appropriate management strategies for bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections in athletes
- Evaluate dermatological lesions for signs of contagion and risk of transmission within athletic environments such as locker rooms, mats, and shared equipment
- Interpret timelines for treatment response and infection resolution to determine safe progression toward return to training and competition
- Evaluate an athlete’s readiness for participation using established return-to-play criteria for common infectious dermatological conditions
- Develop clinical decision-making strategies that balance athlete safety, infection control, and timely return to sport
Meet your instructor
Kyle Matsel
Dr. Matsel is a tenured associate professor at the University of Evansville, where he teaches in the musculoskeletal content areas of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum. He received his doctor of physical therapy degree from the University of Evansville in 2011 and his PhD in rehabilitation sciences from the University…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction and Recommendations for Prevention
This chapter focuses on the evidence-based education and preventive recommendations for limiting infectious skin lesions, with emphasis on reducing transmission risk in the athletic and community settings. Learners will examine evidence-based strategies for hygiene, environmental control, early identification, and patient education to prevent the spread of common bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections.
2. Identification and Management of Fungal Infections
This chapter explores the identification and management of common fungal skin infections frequently encountered in athletic populations. Learners will develop skills to recognize key clinical presentations, implement appropriate treatment and infection control strategies, and differentiate fungal lesions from other dermatologic conditions. Evidence-based return-to-play guidelines will be emphasized to support safe participation while minimizing the risk of transmission.
3. Identification and Management of Viral Infections
This chapter focuses on the identification and management of common viral skin infections seen in athletic populations. Learners will examine hallmark clinical features of conditions such as herpes simplex, shingles, and molluscum contagiosum while exploring evidence-based treatment and infection control strategies. Emphasis is placed on return-to-play decision-making, ensuring athletes resume participation safely while minimizing the risk of viral transmission.
4. Identification and Management of Bacterial Infections
This chapter focuses on the identification and management of common bacterial skin infections encountered in athletic populations. Learners will explore the clinical presentation and management of conditions such as impetigo, folliculitis, and MRSA, with emphasis on accurate recognition and timely intervention. Evidence-based return-to-play guidance will be highlighted to support safe participation while reducing the risk of bacterial transmission within teams and training environments.
5. Question & Answer Session
This chapter is a viewer-submitted question and answer session facilitated by the instructor, Kyle Matsel.
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