Common Football Skin Infections

Football skin infections are more common than most people think. With nonstop physical contact, sweaty gear, and rough turf, football players are constantly exposed to germs that can cause serious skin problems.

That’s why hygiene and proactive skin care are non-negotiable in contact sports. Keeping infections at bay protects performance, safety, and team morale.

MATGUARD® offers athlete-safe disinfecting products—like Football Wipes and Sports Gear Spray—designed to prevent the spread of infections before they even start.

Why Football Players Are at Risk

High-Contact Nature of the Game

From tackles to pile-ups, football is a full-contact sport. Skin-to-skin contact spreads bacteria, fungi, and viruses fast—especially when combined with cuts or abrasions.

Shared Equipment and Gear

Helmets, shoulder pads, towels, and even benches can harbor bacteria and fungi. When these aren’t properly disinfected, infections spread from one player to the next.

Turf and Locker Room Environments

Artificial turf causes turf burns—raw, open skin that’s highly vulnerable to infection. Combine that with humid locker rooms and you’ve got a perfect storm for outbreaks.

Most Common Football Skin Infections

MRSA (Staph Infections)

• What it is: A tough, antibiotic-resistant staph infection.
  

• Symptoms: Painful, red boils or abscesses that can worsen quickly.
  

• How it spreads: Through untreated cuts, skin contact, or contaminated gear.
  
  

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

• What it is: A contagious fungal infection.
  

• Symptoms: Itchy, circular red patches with raised edges.
  

• How it spreads: Skin-to-skin contact or via towels, pads, and mats.
  
  

Impetigo

• What it is: A bacterial skin infection (usually staph or strep).
  

• Symptoms: Yellow or honey-colored crusts, often around the mouth or torso.
  

• How it spreads: Through small cuts, poor hygiene, or shared surfaces.
  
  

Herpes Gladiatorum

• What it is: A skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus.
  

• Symptoms: Clusters of blisters, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
  

• How it spreads: Direct skin contact—even in football, not just wrestling.
  
  

Folliculitis

• What it is: An infection or inflammation of hair follicles.
  

• Symptoms: Red, itchy bumps that may turn into pus-filled blisters.
  

• How it spreads: From friction, heat, or bacteria on dirty gear or turf.

Treatment Options for Football Skin Infections

Medical Treatment

See a doctor if symptoms persist, worsen, or spread. Prescription-strength antifungal or antibiotic creams, and sometimes oral meds, are needed for more severe cases.

Wound Care and Personal Hygiene

Clean wounds daily with gentle soap and water. Keep the area covered and dry. Never pick or pop bumps—this can make things worse and increase spread.

How to Prevent Football Skin Infections

Daily Disinfection Routine with MATGUARD®

• Use MATGUARD® Football Wipes: These alcohol-based disinfectant wipes are safe for skin and kill bacteria on contact. Use them before and after every practice or game.
  

• Spray Down Equipment: MATGUARD® Sports Gear Spray disinfects helmets, pads, cleats, gloves—anything that touches your skin.
  

• Locker Room Hygiene: Spray or wipe down benches, lockers, and shared spaces to reduce contamination in high-traffic areas.
  
  

Smart Habits for Athletes and Teams

• Don’t share personal items like towels, razors, or gear.
  

• Shower immediately after practices and games.
  

• Wash uniforms and undergarments after every use.
  

• Cover all cuts, turf burns, and open wounds with clean bandages.

Final Thoughts

Football skin infections can sideline players and spread quickly if not addressed. From MRSA and ringworm to impetigo and folliculitis, awareness and prevention are key.

A solid hygiene routine—and the right disinfecting tools—makes all the difference. MATGUARD® wipes and sprays should be part of every locker room setup.

Protect your team. Make skin safety part of the game plan.