Tinea corporis gladiatorum: A cross-sectional study

Background: Tinea corporis gladiatorum has been an infrequently reported co ndition in the dermatological literature. Two previous reports have investi gated wrestlers during recognized epidemics of tinea corporis gladiatorum, but no study has examined wrestlers to determine the point prevalence of ti nea corporis gladiatorum in a team without a known epidemic. Furthermore, n o comparative study exists. Objective: The purpose of this article is to determine the prevalence of ti nea corporis gladiatorum in high school wrestlers in comparison with high s chool indoor track athletes. Methods: Members of both the high school wrestling and indoor track teams w ere examined for the presence of tinea corporis. Students with clinical les ions of tinea corporis were evaluated with potassium hydroxide examination. The prevalence of tinea corporis in each group was compared. Results: Seven of the 29 high school wrestlers (24%) had lesions of tinea c orporis. No members of the track team had evidence of tinea corporis. There was a statistical difference between the two groups (P = .005). Conclusion: Tinea corporis gladiatorum can be found quite frequently among high school wrestlers. Because infection with dermatophytes can disqualify a wrestler from competing in matches, vigilant surveillance and rapid initi ation of therapy can reduce the suspension of a team's practice and competi tion.