Rash from Hockey Gear? Here’s How to Prevent It

Getting a rash from hockey gear is more common than most players realize—whether you're a weekend rec leaguer or a high school varsity athlete. Hockey gear is bulky, tight, and gets soaked in sweat. That combination creates the perfect environment for skin irritation if you're not careful.

In a sport where you're grinding it out on the ice, hygiene often takes a backseat to performance—but it shouldn’t. Good habits off the ice are just as important as your skating drills or stickhandling. Without proper care, the gear you trust to protect you can turn into a source of painful, itchy skin problems.

And it doesn’t matter how experienced you are—hockey players of all levels deal with this. From mites to men’s league, rashes and skin issues don’t discriminate.

2. Common Causes of Rashes from Hockey Gear

Excessive Sweating Inside Tight Gear

Hockey gear traps heat and moisture, especially during intense games or practices. When sweat builds up under pads and doesn’t get a chance to dry, it irritates the skin and clogs pores. This can lead to heat rashes or even folliculitis.

Friction from Pads and Straps

Even well-fitting gear can rub against your skin during gameplay. Constant movement causes friction, and over time, this irritation can turn into a rash—especially around the shoulders, thighs, and wrists where gear is tightest.

Dirty or Poorly Maintained Equipment

Let’s be honest—most hockey players don’t clean their gear as often as they should. That funk? It’s not just a smell—it’s bacteria, dead skin, and sweat that build up over time. Throwing gear into a bag and forgetting about it until next practice only makes things worse.

Bacteria, Fungi, and Trapped Moisture

The biggest culprit behind a rash from hockey gear is a mix of bacteria and trapped moisture. If your pads and gloves are always damp, they become breeding grounds for skin infections—like staph, ringworm, and athlete’s foot, depending on the area of contact.

3. Skin Conditions Linked to Hockey Gear Rashes

Not every rash from hockey gear is the same. Sometimes it’s mild and goes away quickly, but other times it can turn into something more serious. Here are a few common skin conditions linked to hockey equipment:

Contact Dermatitis

This is basic irritation caused by materials in your gear—like certain foams, glues, or even the detergent used to wash your base layers. It usually shows up as red, itchy patches where your skin touches the gear most.

Folliculitis

When bacteria get into your hair follicles (usually from sweat and dirty pads), they can become infected and inflamed. You’ll notice small, red bumps—sometimes with white centers—especially on your thighs, arms, or neck.

Heat Rash (Miliaria)

Tight gear and trapped sweat can block your sweat glands, leading to heat rash. It feels prickly and looks like tiny red bumps. It’s common in high-friction areas, like under your chest protector or shin pads.

MRSA & Staph Infections

This is where things get serious. MRSA and staph are aggressive bacterial infections that can spread quickly in locker rooms and on dirty gear. If you notice painful, swollen areas that feel warm or start to ooze, get them checked immediately.

4. How to Prevent a Rash from Hockey Gear

Prevention comes down to smart habits and a little extra effort off the ice.

Stay Clean Before and After

Shower right after every skate. And before you even step onto the ice, wipe down your body—especially high-sweat zones—with something antiseptic to kill bacteria early. (These Matguard Antiseptic Body Wipes are a solid option for on-the-go use.)

Wear Moisture-Wicking Base Layers

These create a barrier between your skin and the gear while pulling sweat away. Avoid cotton—it traps moisture. Look for performance fabrics made specifically for athletes.

Clean Your Gear—And Dry It Fully

This one’s big. Wipe down your pads after every session and let them air out. Disinfect weekly using products designed for athletic equipment, like Matguard Helmet & Pad Wipes or the 32oz Helmet & Pad Spray. The cleaner your gear, the safer your skin.

5. Game Plan for Prevention: What You Should Be Using

If you want to avoid getting a rash from hockey gear, it starts with a solid routine. Here’s your go-to game plan:

Clean Your Skin

Before you suit up and after you hit the showers, take a minute to wipe down with Matguard Antiseptic Body Wipes. They’re quick, effective, and kill the kind of bacteria that love sweaty skin. Think of them as your first line of defense.

Disinfect Your Gear

Your gear can only protect you if it’s clean. After every session, wipe down helmets, pads, and gloves with Matguard Helmet & Pad Wipes or spray them with the Matguard 32oz Helmet & Pad Spray. It takes just a few minutes—and keeps nasty bacteria from building up.

6. When to See a Dermatologist or Trainer

Sometimes, a rash isn’t just a rash.

Know the Signs

If it’s spreading, filled with pus, unusually painful, or hasn’t improved in a few days, it’s time to get it checked. Persistent itching, swelling, or open wounds shouldn’t be ignored.

Get Help Early

In contact sports, infections can move fast—especially in locker room settings. Seeing a dermatologist or athletic trainer early can keep you from missing games and help stop a minor issue from turning into a major one.

7. Final Thoughts: Stay on the Ice, Not on the Sidelines

A rash from hockey gear doesn’t have to be part of the game. With the right hygiene habits and a few smart products, you can keep your skin healthy and your gear clean.

Good hygiene + clean equipment = fewer rashes and more time on the ice. Build it into your post-practice routine, and your skin will thank you later.