Not a New Phenomenon

Tom Reid played in the National Hockey League from 1967 to 1978.  While active, Reid suffered a severe rash that eventually forced him to retire. 

"I had some sort of eczema. It was like I had no skin from my neck to my waist," says Reid, who is radio announcer for the Minnesota Wild. "The rash emitted fluids and blood, and I had to play with towels wrapped around me underneath my uniform." 

His physician prescribed barrier creams, changing jerseys every period, cotton undergarments, and corticosteroid medication, but none of the methods resolved Reid's rash. He estimated that about 40 other players at that time had a similar skin condition, though not as severe.

Reid says he's not certain if frequent washing of his gear would have prolonged his career; however, he believes gear washing might prevent skin infections, particularly in younger players who don't have the luxury of having a professional staff on had to keep surfaces and garments clean, Perspiration, body contact and blood make the environment ripe for infections, he says, pointing to a recent incident in which Mikael Renberg, a Toronto Maple Leafs forward, developed a near fatal infection after popping a finger blister while tightening his skate laces.