cellulitis in high school wrestlers arms and hands

[BEDPAN76]

Not looking for medical advice but in 33 years have not done school nursing... I saw my 16 yesr old 2nd cousin Sat. from out of state. His forearms and between his fingers had oozing cuts. They are from other wrestlers using their fingernails on him! The referees are supposed to check nails before each match but they don't. A few months ago he developed cellulitis. Was on abts. How does your school's athletic dept deal with this? Or do they even consult with you? He is a good kid who is very serious about wrestling.....Thanks in advance!

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

I get sent the ones with open wounds to determine if it is MRSA. (like I could do this with my bare eyes!!) I always refer to physician of course. I have discussed with the athletic director the procedures they use for cleaning mats and other equipment. We had some local districts with wrestlers that had herpes gladitorium last year, but none that I know of in our district. I have spoken with the athletes about hygiene in general in hopes of avoiding the spread of any type of infection, but the fingernail thing (EWWW!) should be handled by the coaches IMHO.