Furunculosis in a high school football team

Abstract

An outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus furuncles (boils) occurred among 26 members of a central Illi nois high school football team. A total of 55 boils were reported, with a diameter of induration ranging from 0.25 to 6 inches (mean = 1.25 inches). Eighty-nine percent of the boils were located on the extremities, and 70% were known to have developed following a bruise or break in the skin. The development of boils was associated with prior bruises and open wounds. Use of skin lubricant, elbow and forearm pads, whirl- pool bath, and athletic tape were also associated with the development of boils, but were not judged to be causal. Rather, these factors most likely reflected attempts to protect areas of compromised skin which were at high risk of developing boils. Lack of hot water and soap for showering may have facilitated the oc currence of the outbreak by discouraging players from showering. Other variables examined, but excluded as important factors, were the sharing of football pads, the sharing of towels, the laundering of athletic clothes, and the position played on the football team.