What is That Rash? High school wrestling season is well underway here in the south. Many high school wrestlers require “skin checks” before they can participate in wrestling meets. This means checking the skin all over for any signs of infection or fungus that could easily be transmitted to other wrestlers and equipment. It is an important job because skin infections can travel from wrestler to wrestler very easily with the whole team quickly becoming infected. This is something that no trainer, parent or athlete wants to happen.
Wrestlers tend to get rashes more often than in other sports because they have a lot more skin-to-skin contact while practicing and competing. Their sport requires almost constant contact with another player’s skin and the mats. Wrestling involves matches with several different opponents which increases exposure even more.
What are some common infections that wrestlers often get?
Two of the most common are ringworm and herpes. Ringworm is a fungus (the fancy name is tinea corporis if it is on your body, tinea capitis if it is on your head) that creates a scaly, circle-shaped rash. It requires a cream applied a few times a day if it is on your body or a medicine by mouth if it is on your head. Herpes is a virus—along the same lines as what causes cold sores. It creates vesicles (fluid-filled spots) that break open and cause red areas on the skin. The first time an athlete gets it, it can cause fevers and flu-like symptoms. It requires a medicine by mouth and can keep coming back year after year.
Can these rashes be prevented?
Many things can be done on both an individual and a team level to keep these wrestlers healthy and out on the mats. Everything starts with good hygiene! Wrestlers should ideally shower after each practice or meet. Clothes should also be washed after each practice or meet as well.
No sharing! Wrestlers should never share towels, razors and soap in the showers. This allows for a fast spread of germs.
Keep equipment clean: Mats should be cleaned and disinfected before and after each use.
Any area of concern should be checked out by a doctor or trainer ASAP to ensure early detection and treatment.
Following these guidelines can keep your wrestler healthy and out on the mat. Covering or avoiding going to the doctor can sometimes lead to long term consequences in the case of certain rashes. Better to get it checked out and treated early.