A Skater’s Guide to Dangerous and Deadly Pathogens

Skateboarders encounter countless invisible microbes everywhere they skate. While many are harmless, other are silent killers. From antibiotic-resistant superbugs to fungi that persist in bloodstreams, the threats are real and more severe than you might think. Just ask David Boots, who got the flesh-eating infection at Peace Park—twice.

These infectious diseases can penetrate nicks and cuts you often unnoticed; so, you might never see them coming until it’s too late. Are you prepared to save your life, or even fully aware of the risks?

In this guide, we’ll break down how to protect yourself as we uncover the most dangerous and deadly bacteria, viruses, and fungi that skateboarders encounter. Learn how to identify symptoms, take critical actions if infected, and choose the most effective disinfectants, including hand sanitizer, peroxide, iodine, and tea tree oil.

Proactive Measures

Licking wounds doesn’t cut it. The best way to prevent infections is to keep your hands clean and to treat injuries promptly. Follow these essential tips to stay safe:

• Clean wounds immediately: Wash cuts and scrapes with soap and water, and apply antiseptic if necessary.
• Wash your hands frequently: Always wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after skating, to avoid transferring bacteria to your mouth or eyes.
• Use hand sanitizer: When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is an effective alternative.
• Avoid contaminated areas: Steer clear of areas with visible animal waste, stagnant water, or debris that could harbor harmful microbes.
• Wear protective gear: Gloves can prevent shredding your palms when the ground is a dirty cheese grater.

For an in-depth guide on making your own hand sanitizer, check out Skateboarding vs. Superbugs: Protect Yourself with Rx Skanitizer – DIY Hand Sanitizer.

The Threats

The risks presented are for threats skateboarders face in typical urban environments like sidewalks and crowded areas. Your chances of catching something increase significantly if you skate in a rat-infested alley or a place similar to Peace Park.

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that live everywhere—on surfaces, in dirt, water, and inside you. Most are harmless or helpful, but some can kill you. Hand sanitizer kills most common bacteria, helping to prevent infections.

Flesh-Eating Disease (Streptococcus pyogenes): These bacteria usually live harmlessly on the skin or in the throat, but Streptococcus pyogenes can turn into a flesh-eating disease (Necrotizing fasciitis) and Toxic Shock.

• Odds: 1 in 100,000 – Requires an open wound to become infected.
• Chances of Dying: 85%
• Risk of Side Effects: 90% – Rapid tissue destruction, sepsis, and organ failure.
• Symptoms: A red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly. Pain that hurts more than you think it should, based on the size of the infection. Sometimes, symptoms can include a fever, skin discoloration, and necrotizing tissue.
• Immediate Action: Seek emergency medical care if severe pain or rapidly spreading redness/swelling occurs, even from a minor wound.
• Treatment: Antibiotics (penicillin or clindamycin), surgical removal of infected tissue or amputation.
• Preventive Measures: Clean wounds quickly and thoroughly, use antiseptic creams, keep wounds bandaged, and avoid contaminated surfaces.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 90%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 85%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 95%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 95%
  • Peroxide: 90%
  • Iodine: 95%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

Golden Staph (Staphylococcus aureus & including MRSA strains): These bacteria can cause serious infections resistant to several antibiotics, including methicillin.

• Odds: 1 in 50,000 – Golden Staph can survive on surfaces for hours up to days; so you can catch it anywhere
• Chances of Dying: 50% (if invasive)
• Risk of Side Effects: 80% –Can lead to bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or septic shock
• Symptoms: Persistent fever, chills, skin infections, abscesses, and potential bloodstream infections, which indicate a systemic spread.
• Immediate Action: Seek emergency medical care if redness, pus, or fever develops.
• Treatment: Antibiotics specific to the strain (Vancomycin for MRSA), drainage of abscesses.
• Preventive Measures: Clean wounds quickly and thoroughly, use antiseptic creams, keep wounds bandaged, and avoid contaminated surfaces.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 90%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 90%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 95%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 95%
  • Peroxide: 85%
  • Iodine: 95%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 70%

Rat Fever (Leptospira spp.): In people, Rat fever can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.

• Odds: 1 in 50,000 – Occurs after contact with contaminated water (puddles, gutters, or surfaces)
• Chances of Dying: 40%
• Risk of Side Effects: 60% – Severe cases can cause organ failure or Weil’s disease (liver and kidney damage)
• Symptoms: Fever, bleeding (Nose, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, skin, gums, urinary tract), chills, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Immediate Action: Seek emergency medical care immediately if fever, jaundice, or bleeding occurs after potential exposure to contaminated water or soil.
• Treatment: Antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline or penicillin); supportive care for organ dysfunction.
• Preventive Measures: Avoid contact with contaminated water, soil, or food exposed to infected animal urine, especially in poor sanitation or flooded areas. Clean wounds quickly and thoroughly, use antiseptic creams, keep wounds bandaged.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 75%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 70%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 80%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 85%
  • Peroxide: 85%
  • Iodine: 90%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

E. coli (Escherichia coli): Most E. coli is harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, E. coli can lead to kidney failure, permanent health problems, and even death.

• Odds: 1 in 50,000 – Urban streets often have animal feces, food waste, or other biological materials that can harbor E. coli.
• Chances of Dying: 40% (for certain strains)
• Risk of Side Effects: 50% – Certain strains can cause kidney failure (e.g., E. coli O157:H7).
• Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea (bloody stool in some cases), and reduced urination warrant urgent care.
• Immediate Action: Rehydrate immediately if diarrhea or vomiting occurs, and seek emergency medical care severe symptoms.
• Treatment: Supportive care (hydration); avoid antibiotics in some strains to prevent complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome.
• Preventive Measures: Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before eating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 95%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 85%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 95%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 95%
  • Peroxide: 90%
  • Iodine: 95%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

Salmonella (Salmonella enterica): This bacterium causes acute diarrheal disease. The danger varies from common gastroenteritis to life-threatening enteric fevers.

• Odds: 1 in 50,000 –Urban streets can have bird, rodent, or pet feces, that often carry Salmonella. Streets may also have stagnant water contaminated with sewage or animal waste.
• Chances of Dying: 20%
• Risk of Side Effects: 40% – Salmonella can cause dehydration or invasive infections in vulnerable individuals.
• Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Immediate Action: Drink fluids to stay hydrated and seek emergency medical care if symptoms persist over a day.
• Treatment: Hydration; antibiotics (ciprofloxacin) for severe cases or high-risk groups.
• Preventive Measures: Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially before eating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 95%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 80%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 95%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 95%
  • Peroxide: 85%
  • Iodine: 95%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 40%

Pink Eye (Pseudomonas aeruginosa): Also known as pink eye, this bacterium can lead to bloodstream infections, necrotizing skin infections, and even multi-organ failure if untreated.

• Odds: 1 in 10,000 – Commonly found on surfaces or through contact with dirty hands touching the eyes.
• Chances of Dying: 5%
• Risk of Side Effects: 30% – Can lead to vision loss or corneal ulcers.
• Symptoms: Severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, itching, green/yellow discharge, and sensitivity to light.
• Immediate Action: Avoid touching your eyes. Use Antibiotic eye drops (ciprofloxacin), avoid contact lenses during treatment, and seek emergency medical care if symptoms worsen.
• Treatment: Antibiotic eye drops (ciprofloxacin), warm compresses.
• Preventive Measures: Avoid touching your face with dirty hands. Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after skating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents: Hand Sanitizer: 50%

• • Soap and Water: 80%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 50%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 85%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 85%
  • Peroxide: 70%
  • Iodine: 85%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

Viruses

Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and are not “alive.” They are genetic material (DNA or RNA) encased in a protein shell. Viruses cannot reproduce on their own. They need a host cell to multiply. Hand sanitizers may not kill non-enveloped viruses, so washing your hands is best.

Hepatitis A: Hep A causes inflammation of the liver that can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, and, in severe cases, liver failure.

• Odds: 1 in 50,000 – Hep A usually spreads through contaminated food or water, but it is possible to catch it by touching contaminated surfaces.
• Chances of Dying: 15%
• Risk of Side Effects: 50% – It can lead to acute liver failure.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, nausea, dark urine, and abdominal pain.
• Immediate Action: Rest, hydrate, and avoid alcohol. Seek emergency medical care if symptoms persist.
• Treatment: Supportive care
• Preventive Measures: Vaccination, wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after skating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 95%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 80%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 90%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 90%
  • Peroxide: 95%
  • Iodine: 95%
  • Tea Tree Oil: Not effective

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Herpes never goes away, and it can cause painful sores or blisters on the skin, most commonly around the mouth (HSV-1) or genitals (HSV-2). It is one of the leading causes of infectious blindness worldwide. In severe cases, it can affect your eye encephalitis (brain inflammation) or widespread systemic infections.

• Odds: 1 in 500,000 – Rarely transmitted from surfaces, but possible through contact with saliva-contaminated objects. However, approximately 65% of the global population has it, so it’s good to know the potential risks.
• Chances of Dying: 5% (in rare cases of encephalitis)
• Risk of Side Effects: 40% – Chronic outbreaks, rare cases of encephalitis, or severe neonatal infections.
• Symptoms: Painful blisters or ulcers, tingling, redness; fever during the first outbreak. Ocular eye herpes symptoms include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, watery teary eyes, swelling, and blurred vision.
• Immediate Action: Use antiviral medications (acyclovir) at the first sign of an outbreak. Seek emergency medical care if ocular Herpes symptoms occurs.
• Treatment: Tea tree oil, which has antiviral properties, can help preventing recurrent herpes outbreaks
• Preventive Measures: Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after skating. Avoid touching your mouth and the mucosal parts of your body with dirty hands.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 85%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 80%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 85%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 85%
  • Peroxide: 50%
  • Iodine: 75%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 40%

Human Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19): Coronaviruses primarily target the respiratory system, in severe cases, the infection can also trigger systemic inflammation, affecting the heart, kidneys, and brain, potentially leading to complications such as myocarditis, acute kidney injury, blood clots, and long-term symptoms known as long COVID.

• Odds: 1 in 50 – Spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces.
• Chances of Dying: 20% (varies by age/health)
• Risk of Side Effects: 70% – Risk of severe respiratory failure, organ damage, or long-term complications.
• Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste/smell.
• Immediate Action: Isolate, monitor symptoms, and seek emergency medical care for breathing difficulties or worsening symptoms.
• Treatment: Antiviral drugs (remdesivir), oxygen therapy, or hospitalization for severe cases.
• Preventive Measures: Wear masks, and avoid touching your face to prevent the virus from entering through your eyes, nose, or mouth by keeping your hands away from your face. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 95%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 90%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 95%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 95%
  • Peroxide: 85%
  • Iodine: 90%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

The Flu (Influenza): The Influenza virus primarily affects the respiratory, with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, and bronchitis.

• Odds: 1 in 10 – It is an airborne virus that can spread through contaminated hands and surfaces.
• Chances of Dying: 20 % (varies by age/health)
• Risk of Side Effects: 50% – Risk of pneumonia or severe complications in vulnerable groups.
• Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue.
• Immediate Action: Rest, hydrate. If symptoms persist, seek emergency medical care.
• Treatment: Antivirals (oseltamivir), fever reducers.
• Preventive Measures: Avoid touching your face to prevent the virus from entering through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after skating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:
  • Soap and Water: 95%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 85%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 95%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 95%
  • Peroxide: 90%
  • Iodine: 95%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

HPV (Human Papillomavirus): HPV can cause warts on various parts of the body and hands. If you get the virus on your hands, getting genital herpes is possible through autoinoculation. Certain strains of HPV lead to precancerous lesions and cancers—most notably cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the throat, anus, and genital area.

• Odds: 1 in 500,000 – It is unlikely to contract HPV skateboarding. It primarily spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity. However, it can survive for a short time on surfaces, the virus typically requires micro-abrasions or cuts to enter and infect a person.
• Chances of Dying: 10% (due to associated cancers)
• Risk of Side Effects: 60% – Risk of cervical, throat, or anal cancers in some strains.
• Symptoms: Warts on skin or mucous membranes; asymptomatic in many cases
• Immediate Action: Seek medical care for wart removal.
• Treatment: Wart removal, monitoring, or cancer treatment if necessary
• Preventive Measures: Get vaccinated and attend regular screenings for early detection. Wash hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after skating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 80%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 50%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 75%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 75%
  • Peroxide: 60%
  • Iodine: 70%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 40%

Stomach Flu (Norovirus): The stomach flu is a painful highly contagious virus that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. Other effects are low-grade fever, headaches, and muscle aches.

• Odds: 1 in 10,000 – Spread via contaminated surfaces and hands.Chances of Dying: 10%
• Risk of Side Effects: 20% –Severe dehydration in vulnerable individuals.
• Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
• Immediate Action: Hydrate and rest, avoid spreading the virus to others, and seek emergency medical care if dehydration occurs.
• Treatment: Supportive care; rehydration therapy
• Preventive Measures: Wash hands regularly and thoroughly after skating, especially before eating.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 95%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 50%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 75%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 75%
  • Peroxide: 80%
  • Iodine: 85%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 40%

Fungi:

Fungi are organism that can be single-celled or multicellular. Most are harmless, but some can infect you. Alcohol-based sanitizers kill many fungi on your skin but might not be effective against tougher spores.

Invasive candiasis (Candida spp): Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a serious fungal infection that occurs when it enters the bloodstream or deep tissues. It can persist and infect the bloodstream, affecting organs, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.

• Odds: 1 in 500,000 – Requires a weakened immune system and deep tissue entry.
• Chances of Dying: 60% (if untreated in bloodstream infections)
• Risk of Side Effects: 80% – High risk for immunocompromised individuals due to bloodstream infections and dysfunction in severe cases.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, and organ dysfunction in severe cases.
• Immediate Action: Seek immediate medical attention.
• Treatment: Antifungal medications (fluconazole or echinocandins).
• Preventive Measures: Clean wounds quickly and thoroughly, use antiseptic creams, keep wounds bandaged, and avoid contaminated surfaces.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 85%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 50%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 70%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 70%
  • Peroxide: 70%
  • Iodine: 80%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 50%

Ringworm or Athlete’s Foot (Trichophyton spp): Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair, and nails.

• Odds: 1 in 5000 – These fungi can be found on objects and soil.
• Chances of Dying: 5% (through secondary infection)
• Risk of Side Effects: 10% – Minimal risk but may cause severe discomfort if untreated.
• Symptoms: Itchy, red, ring-shaped rashes on skin; scaly or cracked skin on feet.
• Immediate Action: Use antifungal creams or powders and maintain dry skin. Seek medical care for persistent or spreading infections.
• Treatment: Topical antifungals (clotrimazole); oral medications for severe cases.
• Preventive Measures: Don’t walk barefoot. Practice good hygiene, and avoid sharing towels/shoes, wear breathable footwear, and keep skin dry.
• Effectiveness of killing agents:

• • Soap and Water: 85%
  • Hand Sanitizer: 50%
  • Ethanol Alcohol: 70%
  • Isopropyl Alcohol: 70%
  • Peroxide: 70%
  • Iodine: 85%
  • Tea Tree Oil: 60%

Conclusion

The world is a dirty place, so its important to stay vigilant about the risks of infections. Now you know. And knowing is half the battle. G.I. Joe.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for any symptoms or health concerns. Neither the author nor the company is liable for outcomes related to the information provided here. If you suspect any of these symptoms seek immediate medical attention.