What is impetigo?

Impetigo is a highly contagious staph or strep-based bacterial skin infection that forms oozing red sores that develop a yellow-brown crust. Although the disease usually affects children, athletes involved in close contact sports are at a high risk of contraction because the infection often spreads through direct physical contact with a carrier. Impetigo sores are commonly found on the face, but can appear anywhere on the body in patches ranging from a dime to quarter size.

In more extreme cases, impetigo can develop into ecythma, a condition that penetrates into the dermis, the skin's second layer. Symptoms include painful and itchy pus-filled ulcers and a darker and thicker crust that, if left untreated, can result in permanent scar and pigment changes. In the most extreme cases impetigo can develop into a severe kidney disease known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Impetigo Advice for Athletes and Parents (Killing Impetigo)

Anyone in contact with a carrier or their personal items including towels, uniforms, head gear, pads, bedding or clothing is at risk of contracting impetigo. Athletes involved in contact sports such as rugby, football, soccer, wrestling, boxing and mixed martial arts are at a high risk of infection because impetigo spreads through direct contact with a carrier. Anyone with injured skin, eczema, cuts, poison ivy, insect bites, burns and fungal or bacterial infections are at an even higher risk of infection.

Other factors that increase the risk of impetigo include: crowded conditions, warm and humid weather and chronic dermatitis, especially atopic dermatitis. Children are the most often infected.

How do I protect myself from getting Impetigo and other skin infections?

MATGUARD® promotes protection through prevention.

Adopt a policy of safety through prevention with MATGUARD®. Stop season-ending outbreaks before they start with the only 70% ISOPROPANOL solution on the market.

Practice good personal hygiene. Apply MATGUARD® to the hands, body and face before and after every match, practice and game.

Supply the away team with a wipe or spray from our line of antiseptics. Responsibility starts with MATGUARD®.

As part of your safety regimen cover wounds with clean bandages, avoid sharing personal items such as washcloths and razors, wash your uniform after every use and consistently sanitize your hands. You should contact a doctor if an infection develops.

Control your environment with the MATGUARD® line of disinfectants. Wipe down all surfaces including mats, gym equipment, benches, showers, door knobs, light switches, pads, uniforms and training tables.