How to Prevent Skin Infections in Wrestling

A Guide for Parents and Wrestlers

Wrestling is an intense and physically demanding sport that involves close contact with opponents and shared mat surfaces. While the sport teaches valuable lessons in strength, discipline, and mental toughness, it also presents a unique challenge—the risk of skin infections.

Conditions like ringworm, impetigo, and staph infections (including MRSA) are common concerns in wrestling because the sport involves constant skin-to-skin contact and exposure to communal mats, equipment, and locker rooms. However, with proper hygiene, preventive measures, and awareness, wrestlers can significantly reduce their risk of contracting and spreading skin infections.

This guide will help parents, wrestlers, and coaches understand how skin infections occur, what symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent them to ensure a safe and healthy wrestling season.

Common Skin Infections in Wrestling

Before diving into prevention strategies, it's important to understand the most common skin infections in wrestling, their symptoms, and how they spread.

1. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

• Cause: A fungal infection that spreads through direct skin contact or contaminated surfaces (such as wrestling mats, gear, and towels).

• Symptoms: A red, circular rash with raised edges, often itchy or scaly.

• Treatment: Antifungal creams or oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor.

2. Impetigo

• Cause: A bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus (staph) or streptococcus (strep) bacteria.

• Symptoms: Red sores or blisters that ooze fluid, form yellow crusts, and spread rapidly.

• Treatment: Topical or oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

3. Staph Infections (Including MRSA)

• Cause: A bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes a more dangerous strain known as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus).

• Symptoms: Painful red bumps that may resemble pimples or boils, sometimes filled with pus.

• Treatment: Requires antibiotics, and MRSA infections may need additional medical care.

4. Herpes Gladiatorum

• Cause: A viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), spread through skin contact.

• Symptoms: Clusters of fluid-filled blisters that burst and form scabs, often around the face, neck, and arms.

• Treatment: Antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor.

Each of these infections is highly contagious, making prevention essential for wrestlers, parents, and coaches.

How to Prevent Skin Infections in Wrestling

Wrestlers, parents, and coaches must take proactive steps to prevent skin infections and create a clean and safe training environment. Here are the best prevention methods:

1. Shower Immediately After Practice and Matches

• Wrestlers should shower with antibacterial soap as soon as possible after practice, dual meets, and tournaments.

• Focus on washing all areas of the body, especially the neck, arms, legs, and face, which have the most contact with opponents and mats.

• Use a clean towel and avoid sharing towels with others.

2. Keep Wrestling Mats Clean

• Wrestling mats should be disinfected daily before and after practice.

• Use hospital-grade disinfectants designed to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

• If you notice a dirty or unclean mat, alert the coach or tournament officials.

3. Wash Wrestling Gear After Every Use

• Singlets, shirts, shorts, socks, and towels should be washed after every practice or match in hot water with detergent.

• Wrestling shoes should be wiped down with disinfectant and never worn outside the wrestling room to prevent mat contamination.

• Headgear should be wiped clean with disinfectant wipes or antibacterial spray after each practice.

4. Inspect Skin Regularly

• Wrestlers should check their skin daily for any unusual redness, rashes, sores, or bumps.

• Coaches should conduct skin checks before practice and competition to identify possible infections.

• If any signs of a skin infection appear, the wrestler should stop practicing immediately and see a doctor.

5. Do Not Share Personal Items

• Wrestlers should never share towels, soap, razors, water bottles, or headgear.

• If using gym or team-provided gear, ensure it is properly cleaned and disinfected.

6. Maintain Proper Hygiene in the Locker Room

• Wrestlers should wear flip-flops or shower sandals in locker rooms and showers to prevent fungal infections.

• Avoid sitting directly on the floor or using unclean benches when changing clothes.

• Keep personal gear in a clean gym bag and separate dirty clothing from clean items.

7. Stay Home When Sick or Injured

• Wrestlers with open wounds, cuts, or signs of infection should not practice or compete until cleared by a doctor.

• If a wrestler is recovering from a skin infection, they should cover all affected areas and follow doctor’s instructions for returning to the mat.

What to Do If Your Wrestler Gets a Skin Infection

Even with the best prevention efforts, skin infections can still happen. If your child develops symptoms of ringworm, impetigo, staph, or another infection, follow these steps:

1. Stop Wrestling Immediately

• Wrestlers with a suspected skin infection should not return to practice or competition until cleared by a medical professional.

2. Seek Medical Treatment

• See a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

• Most skin infections respond well to antifungal creams, antibiotics, or antiviral medication when treated early.

3. Follow Treatment Instructions and Prevent Spreading

• Take all prescribed medication as directed.

• Keep infected areas clean and covered to prevent spreading to teammates.

• Follow proper hygiene practices to avoid re-infection.

Wrestling Safety Starts with Good Hygiene

Skin infections are a common concern in wrestling, but they are preventable with proper hygiene and proactive measures. By ensuring wrestlers shower after practice, clean their gear, inspect their skin, and avoid sharing personal items, the risk of infections can be greatly reduced.

As a parent, you can help by encouraging good hygiene habits, checking your child’s skin regularly, and communicating with coaches if any issues arise. Wrestling teaches discipline and responsibility, and maintaining proper skin care and cleanliness is part of that responsibility.

With consistent prevention efforts, wrestlers can stay healthy, strong, and focused on their performance, ensuring they get the most out of their wrestling experience—both on and off the mat.