Wrestling Skin Disorders
General information on wrestling skin infections and ways to help prevent it.
There are many types of fungi, bacteria and viruses that are transmitted from wrestler to wrestler in the following ways:
From skin to skin contact of one athlete to the other
From an athlete to an article of clothing, towel or equipment of another athlete
From the athlete to something in the athletic environment like the wrestling mats, weight machines, shower floor, or chairs.
The high degree of
skin-to-skin contact in his sport makes fungai infections like ringworm, (Tinea
Corporis), athletes foot (Tinea Pedis) or Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) a possibility
if preventions are not taken. It is by far the most common skin contagion
associated with the sport of wrestling. These infections will cause your child
to stop wrestling but with proper medical treatment are easily controlled.
Much rarer but potentially serious ailments that can be contracted through
wrestling are impetigo, a bacterial infection, which results in fluid-filled
sores which break and spread and is very contagious. However, the worst-case
illnesses are staph infections and MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant form of staph
which could be life threatening and must be treated immediately.
Herpes Simplex I or Herpes Gladiatorum generally are viral infections of the skin. Because herpes is a virus it often returns again and again. The virus hides in the nerves and is never completely removed from the body. It is very contagious and you must seek medical attention.
So the reality is that these infections are there and it is up to you as a parent, the wrestler, and the coaching staff to keep your team healthy.
Responsibilities of wrestler
Practice good hygiene as outlined below.
Inform coach the moment that you think you have a contagious skin disorder, as well as everyone else that you may have come in contact with.
Have any unusual skin condition or infection (i.e. rash, bad pimple, cold sore, ringworm etc.), checked by a coach, a doctor, or a dermatologist immediately. An itching or oozing feeling or a reddened area is usually a sign of an infection.
Show support and responsibility for other wrestlers who may have developed infections.
Steps the wrestler can take to help prevent infections:
Showering immediately after practice/competition is the most important means to help prevent a skin infection.
Always use a clean towel.
Only use wrestling shoes for wrestling and if at all possible only on wrestling mat.
Wrestlers must wash all workout gear and towels daily.
Gear bag, knee pads, shoes and head gear should be disinfected at a minimum twice a week, daily is better.
Use detergent with bleach or dry clothes on a "high" setting .
Antibacterial or deodorant soap should be used when showering.
Wrestling clothing should be kept separate from everything else when transporting to and from school.
Never share anything with another wrestler including soap and razors.
Always put a layer between you and a work out machine. You can use a towel or a piece of clothing.
Steps the coaches and LSAA take to prevent infections...
Wrestlers strip down to their boxers at pre-season weigh-in and at weigh-in prior to LSAA tournament. They are inspected at that time for any suspicious skin markings by coaches and officials present. Anything found that is considered suspicious will cause wrestler ineligibility until written clearance is obtained by doctor.
Mats and equipment are cleaned with disinfectant before each use.
When there is blood on the mat, action is halted while someone cleans it off and sprays the area with a disinfectant bottle that is kept handy at every meet.
Coaches will educate wrestlers on proper hygiene as listed above.
Schools will have all potential wrestlers and parents sign agreement acknowledging receipt of information on infections and hygiene, intent to follow hygiene procedures and willingness to divulge possible infectious conditions.
Great links for further detail and graphics of skin rashes...
Skin Disorders in Wrestlers by Dr. Robert A. Silverman, M.D. Pediatric & General Dermatology
Skin Disease in Wrestling
by Rob Lawton ATC
National Federation of State High School Associations