How long must a wrestler be treated for a skin infection before returning?

Question

Accepted Answer

State associations' physician release forms for wrestling with skin lesions (built on the NFHS model form) list these minimum treatment guidelines. The examining physician makes the final call.

Condition	Minimum before return
Bacterial (impetigo, boils)	Oral antibiotic for 3 days. All lesions scabbed over, no oozing or discharge, and no new lesions in the last 48 hours. If new lesions keep appearing or draining after 72 hours, consider CA-MRSA and extend oral antibiotics to 10 days or until all lesions are scabbed, whichever is later.
Herpes, first episode (herpes gladiatorum)	At least 10 days of treatment, or 14 days if there's fever or swollen lymph nodes
Herpes, recurrent outbreak	At least 120 hours (5 full days) of oral antiviral, with no new lesions and all lesions scabbed over
Tinea (ringworm)	Oral or topical treatment for 72 hours on skin, 14 days on the scalp
Scabies, head lice	24 hours after appropriate topical treatment
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)	24 hours of medication and no discharge
Molluscum contagiosum	24 hours after curettage

Non-contagious conditions such as eczema and psoriasis don't need treatment before returning. Once a lesion is no longer contagious, it may be covered so the wrestler can participate.