Which of the following is NOT a criterion for RTP with folliculitis?

• A. No new skin lesion for at least 48 hours
• B. Completion of a 72-hour course of directed antibiotic therapy
• C. No further drainage or exudate from the wound
• D. Return to play after one day of rest

Answer: (D)

RTP decisions after folliculitis depend on objective signs that the infection is controlled and the skin has healed enough to prevent spread and re-injury. The criteria focus on ensuring the athlete isn’t contagious and there’s no active drainage, while treatment has had enough time to work. No new skin lesions for at least 48 hours shows the infection isn’t actively spreading; completing a 72-hour course of directed antibiotics ensures the infection has been treated for a sufficient duration; and there’s no drainage or exudate indicating the wound isn’t actively draining. Returning after one day of rest, however, doesn’t reflect infection status or tissue healing and doesn’t guarantee safety or absence of contagious lesions, so it isn’t a criterion for RTP.