RINGWORM ADVICE FOR ATHLETES AND PARENTS
What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm isn’t a worm. Ringworm (also called serpigo) is an infection of the skin that’s caused by moldlike or parasitic fungi that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. Most often characterized by a reddish to brownish raised or bumpy patch of skin that may be lighter in the center. Giving the appearance of a “ring.” Anyone can get it from head to toe.
Ringworm on your scalp tends to start out as a bump. It may turn flaky and scaly, and your scalp may feel tender and sore to the touch. Many coaches and athletes also call it athlete’s foot when you get it between your toes. You'll further know it as jock itch if it spreads to your groin.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get Ringworm. School, day-care centers, and infant nurseries have reported outbreaks of scalp ringworm in young children. School athletes are at risk for scalp Ringworm, Ringworm of the body, and foot Ringworm.
There have been numerous outbreaks among high school wrestling teams. This is because wrestlers are not only prone to excessive sweating. But also have frequent skin-to-skin contact with potentially infected individuals, in the course of practice and during competitions.
Wrestling is a contact sport that exposes wrestlers to all kinds of bacteria, making tips for cleaning wrestling mats essential. Dirty wrestling mats can also expose wrestlers to blood borne diseases such as hepatitis B and allow skin infections like ringworm to spread. According to safety regulations, wrestling mats should be cleaned thoroughly after each use.
How do I protect myself from getting Ringworm and other skin infections?
Practice good personal hygiene. Keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand and body cleanse.
What over 5000 Sports teams use to fight skin diseases:
MATGUARD Wipes, Sprays and Foam uses a proprietary formulation containing 70% Isopropanol that is highly effective at killing MRSA without drying skin or leaving a sticky residue.
MATGUARD® BODY WIPES contain a patented formulation that has proven to be extremely effective at prevent the germs, viruses, and bacteria that people involved in athletic and physical activity come in contact with.
MATGUARD antiseptic sprays contain special ingredients that kill 99.9% of the germs, bacteria, and nasty stuff that people involved in athletic activities are prone to...while leaving you clean all over and smelling awesome.
Checkout our MatPRO Cleaning Solutions for Mats and surfaces.