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Section 03

Skin Infection Guide

Three things to know on sight, how to clean every piece of gear, and exactly what to do if something appears.

When in doubt — sit out. One day off the mat protects the entire team. Always escalate to a coach and physician.

Identification

Know These Three on Sight

Ringworm

Tinea Corporis (fungal)

Common

Symptoms

  • Round red ring with clearer skin in the center
  • Mild itching
  • Scaly border that grows outward

What to look for

  • • Look for a clean circular outline
  • • Often on neck, scalp, arms, or torso
  • • May appear in clusters from mat contact

Return to play: Cleared by coach/medical professional + 72 hrs of topical antifungal treatment, lesion covered with bio-occlusive bandage.

Herpes Gladiatorum

HSV-1 (viral)

Highly contagious

Symptoms

  • Cluster of small fluid-filled blisters
  • Tingling or burning before bumps appear
  • Possible fever or swollen lymph nodes

What to look for

  • • Multiple small blisters grouped together
  • • Common on face, neck, and shoulders
  • • Painful — not just itchy

Return to play: PULL FROM PRACTICE IMMEDIATELY. No mat contact for 10–14 days minimum. Requires antiviral medication and physician release.

Impetigo

Staph / Strep (bacterial)

Bacterial

Symptoms

  • Honey-colored crusty sores
  • Often around nose, mouth, or open scrapes
  • Spreads quickly with scratching

What to look for

  • • Yellow / golden crust is the giveaway
  • • Starts as small red spots, becomes oozy
  • • Usually painless but very contagious

Return to play: No practice until 48 hrs after starting antibiotics AND no new lesions for 48 hrs. Requires physician release.

2-minute scan

Daily Skin Check

Run this check after every practice. Tap each item as you go.

Gear protocols

How to Clean Every Piece

Headgear

Wipe inside & out with disinfectant wipe after every practice. Air dry — never store in a closed bag wet.

Wrestling shoes

Wipe the soles after each session. Spray the inside with antimicrobial shoe spray. Dry overnight outside the bag.

Knee pads

Hand-wash weekly with hot water + detergent. Air dry fully. Replace if cracked or smelly.

Singlet & gear

Wash IMMEDIATELY after every practice on hot. Never re-wear. Keep a backup in the bag.

Mats

Mats are disinfected by the team before & after practice. Never sit, eat, or place gear directly on the mat.

Habits

Prevention Protocol

1Shower within 30 minutes of every practice. No exceptions.
2Use antibacterial soap. Wash with hands, not just water.
3Wash gear after EVERY session.
4Do a daily skin check — back, neck, arms, behind ears.
5Keep nails trimmed short to prevent breaks in skin.
6Cover any cut, scrape, or scab before stepping on the mat.
7Never share towels, razors, headgear, or water bottles.

If you spot something

Parent Action Steps

Do this in order
  1. 1Pull your athlete from practice and competition immediately.
  2. 2Photograph the spot with date and location on the body.
  3. 3Cover with a clean, dry bandage — do not pop or scratch.
  4. 4Notify the head coach the same day.
  5. 5See a doctor within 24–48 hours for diagnosis.
  6. 6Do not return until the doctor and coach both clear them.