What is the recommended care for MRSA before athletic participation?

• A. Care and cover skin lesions before participation
• B. Isolate athlete
• C. Administer antibiotic lotion
• D. Cease participation permanently

Answer: (A)

MRSA spreads through direct skin contact and contaminated surfaces, so preventing transmission in sport starts with how you handle skin lesions. The recommended approach is to care for any skin lesion and keep it covered with a clean, dry dressing before participation. This reduces the chance of MRSA spreading to teammates or equipment while the athlete remains in the activity, provided the lesion is kept clean, covered, and not draining, and proper hygiene is practiced. Isolating the athlete isn’t routinely required, and treating with topical antibiotic lotion alone isn’t enough for MRSA management. Ceasing participation permanently isn’t appropriate when proper wound care and coverage are in place.