Skin Health

Skin Health in Wrestling Matters

In wrestling, we work close up. Because of the skin-to-skin contact, germs can spread easily if we aren’t careful.

Keeping your skin clean isn’t just about you—it’s about respecting your teammates and protecting the “Wrestling Family”. Skin infections like ringworm or impetigo can stop you from training and disqualify you from competitions.

The good news? Most skin issues are easy to prevent with good habits.

The Golden Rules of Hygiene

Follow these simple steps every time you train to stay infection-free.

1. Shower Straight Away

Shower as soon as possible after every practice or match.
Use soap (antibacterial is best) and hot water. Scrub your whole body.
Pro Tip: Can’t Shower Immediately?If you are travelling home from a competition or your club doesn’t have showers, you are at the highest risk. Our partners at Combat Sports Hygiene recommend using a specialised hygiene spray (like Full Guard) or body wipes immediately after leaving the mat. This kills bacteria before it has time to settle into your pores.

2. Wash Your Kit Every Time

Never wear the same kit (singlet, t-shirt, shorts) twice without washing it.
Wash your towel after every use. Never share towels with anyone.
Wipe down your wrestling boots regularly. Don’t wear your wrestling boots outside the gym.

3. Check Your Skin

Look at your skin in the mirror before every training session.
Check your face, neck, hairline, and arms closely. These are the most common spots for infections.
Keep your fingernails short and trimmed.

Common Skin Conditions: What to Look For

Here are the most common “nasties” in wrestling. If you see these, do not train. Go to a doctor or pharmacist.

Ringworm (Tinea)

This is very common but easy to treat if caught early.

What it looks like: A red, itchy circle on the skin. It often has a scaly edge and clear skin in the middle.
Is it catchy? Yes, very.

Impetigo

A bacterial infection that spreads fast.

What it looks like: Red sores that burst and form a yellow or “honey-coloured” crust or scab. It can also look like fluid-filled blisters.
Is it catchy? Extremely.

Cold Sores & Mat Herpes (Herpes Gladiatorum)

Caused by the same virus as cold sores.

What it looks like: A cluster of painful fluid-filled blisters, often on the face, neck, or head. You might feel a tingling sensation before they appear.
Is it catchy? Yes. You must not wrestle until fully healed.

Staph Infections & Boils

What it looks like: A painful red lump or boil, often filled with pus. It might look like a bad spider bite. The area may feel hot and tender.
Warning: If a lump is very painful, grows fast, or you feel feverish, see a doctor urgently. It could be MRSA (a tougher type of bacteria).

I Found a Spot – What Do I Do?

1. Stop Training Immediately

Do not go to the club. Do not try to cover it with tape and carry on. You risk infecting your whole team.

2. See a Professional

Visit your GP or a pharmacist. Tell them you are a wrestler.

Top Tip: If you are competing soon, take the UWW Skin Condition Report Form with you for the doctor to sign.

3. Treat It

Follow the doctor’s advice exactly. Use the cream or tablets for as long as they say—even if the spot looks better.

4. Return When Safe

You can only return to the mat when:

The infection is non-contagious (usually dry and scabbed over).
You have finished the required treatment time (often 48–72 hours depending on the infection).
For competitions: You must pass the medical skin check at weigh-in.
Remember: Hiding an infection is unfair to your opponent. Be brave and honest—it’s one of our core values.