Football and Impetigo: A Guide

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo and football often go hand in hand because this skin infection loves the conditions found on the field. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes red sores, blisters, and honey-colored crusts on the skin.

Two main bacteria cause it: Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These germs easily find a way in when a player has a cut, scrape, or turf burn.

Impetigo is common among football players and other athletes because sweat, close contact, and shared gear create the perfect storm for bacteria to spread quickly.

Why Football Players Are at Risk for Impetigo

Frequent Skin-to-Skin Contact

Tackling, blocking, and pile-ups mean football players are constantly rubbing shoulders — and everything else — which makes it easy for bacteria to jump from one player’s skin to another.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Turf Burns

Rough tackles and turf surfaces cause small breaks in the skin. These open doors let bacteria sneak in and cause infection fast if wounds aren’t cleaned and covered properly.

Shared Equipment and Locker Rooms

Helmets, pads, towels, and locker benches can all carry bacteria. If players share gear or don’t disinfect it regularly, the risk of spreading impetigo goes way up.

Warm, Sweaty Environment

Practices and games mean sweat-soaked uniforms and damp skin — a perfect breeding ground for bacteria to multiply and spread from player to player.

How Impetigo Spreads on the Football Field

Impetigo and football are a risky combo because the infection spreads fast if a team’s hygiene isn’t on point.

Direct Contact: Tackling, Blocking

Close contact is the biggest culprit. Players tackle, block, and pile up, pressing skin against skin — so if one player has impetigo, the bacteria can transfer instantly.

Indirect Contact: Shared Helmets, Pads, Towels

Impetigo bacteria can live on sweaty gear and towels. Sharing helmets, shoulder pads, or even locker benches spreads germs without players realizing it.

Poor Hygiene or Delayed Wound Care

Small cuts and turf burns get infected quickly if they’re not cleaned and covered. Waiting too long to treat a wound is an open invitation for bacteria.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Impetigo

Appearance: Red Sores and Honey-Colored Crusts

Impetigo usually starts as tiny red bumps or blisters that break open and ooze. They dry out and form a yellowish, crusty layer that’s a classic sign.

Common Areas Affected (Face, Arms, Legs)

In football players, impetigo often shows up on the face (around the nose and mouth), arms, hands, and legs — basically anywhere skin gets scraped up.

When to See a Doctor

If a player has red, crusty sores that spread or don’t heal, see a doctor fast. Prescription antibiotics clear up impetigo quickly — and stop it from spreading to the whole team.

How to Prevent Impetigo in Football Players

Personal Hygiene Tips

Good hygiene is the MVP in keeping impetigo and football separate.

• Shower immediately after every game and practice to wash away bacteria.
  

• Use athletic body wipes like Matguard’s athlete wipes to clean sweat and germs off skin fast, especially if you can’t shower right away.
  

• Keep cuts clean and covered with a bandage — and change it often to block bacteria.

• Spray down helmets, pads, and locker room surfaces with Matguard disinfectant sprays to kill bacteria before and after every practice and game.

Equipment & Facility Hygiene

Good equipment care is a big part of stopping impetigo and football from going hand in hand.

• Disinfect helmets, pads, and locker rooms regularly with an EPA-registered disinfectant like Matguard sprays. This kills bacteria before it spreads to teammates.
  

• Don’t share towels or personal items — it might seem harmless, but it’s one of the fastest ways to spread germs.
  

• Use trusted disinfectant products approved to kill staph and strep bacteria. Matguard is designed for sports gear and safe on skin too.

Team Policies

Every team should have simple rules to keep impetigo and football from taking over the locker room.

• Regular skin checks by trainers help catch infections early before they spread.
  

• Educate players about reporting symptoms early — no one wants to miss a game, but hiding sores makes it worse for everyone.
  

• Sideline infected players until cleared by a doctor. It’s the safest way to protect teammates.

How to Treat Impetigo If You Get It

Sometimes, even with the best prevention, players get impetigo. The good news? It’s very treatable.

• Medical treatment usually means prescription antibiotics, either a cream you apply directly or a short course of pills.
  

• Keep the affected area clean and covered with a bandage to protect others.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions completely — don’t stop treatment early, even if it looks healed.
  

• Avoid practice and games until cleared by your doctor so you don’t spread it to teammates.

When to Seek Medical Help

Most impetigo cases clear up quickly with treatment, but watch for warning signs.

• Signs of worsening infection: fever, swelling, spreading redness, or pain around the sore.
  

• Recurrent infections that keep coming back despite treatment.
  

• Concerns about possible MRSA, which can cause more serious skin infections.

Final Thoughts: Keeping Football Players Safe from Impetigo

Impetigo and football don’t have to go together if everyone stays proactive. Remember:

• Shower and clean up immediately after practice.
  

• Disinfect gear and locker rooms with reliable products like Matguard.
  

• Cover wounds and don’t share towels or pads.
  

• Speak up early if you notice a skin problem.
  

Good hygiene keeps your whole team healthy — and on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impetigo in Football

Can I play football with impetigo?

No — it’s best to stay off the field until a doctor clears you. Playing spreads bacteria to other players.

How long does it take to heal?

With proper antibiotics, most mild cases heal within 7–10 days.

Is impetigo dangerous?

It’s usually mild, but untreated impetigo can lead to deeper skin infections.

What’s the difference between impetigo and MRSA?
Impetigo is usually caused by common bacteria like staph or strep. MRSA is a drug-resistant type of staph that’s harder to treat and can cause more severe infections.

Conclusion

Impetigo and football don’t have to be teammates. With smart hygiene habits, routine gear disinfection, and quick treatment for cuts and scrapes, players and coaches can keep this pesky skin infection off the field and out of the locker room. A healthy team plays better — so stay clean, stay protected, and trust products like Matguard to help stop bacteria in its tracks all season long.