How to Avoid Skin Infections in Martial Arts

Training in martial arts is a fantastic way to build strength, confidence, and skill—but with close contact in grappling, sparring, and drills, skin infections can spread quickly if precautions aren’t taken. Here’s how you can stay safe and protect your training partners.

1. Don’t Train if You Have a Skin Infection

This is the most important rule:
If you have a visible rash, open sores, or any kind of skin infection—no matter how minor—stay home.
It protects both you and your teammates and keeps the gym safe for everyone.

2. Know the Common Skin Infections and Their Symptoms

Understanding what to watch for helps catch infections early:

Ringworm (Tinea):
- Fungal infection causing red, circular, scaly patches with raised edges.
- Often itchy and may spread quickly if untreated.
Staph Infections (including MRSA):
- Bacterial infection appearing as red bumps, pimples, or pus-filled blisters.
- May be warm to the touch and sometimes painful.
Impetigo:
- Contagious bacterial infection creating honey-colored crusts on the skin.
- Often appears around the mouth, nose, or other exposed areas.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1, “Mat Herpes”):
- Causes painful blisters or cold-sore-like lesions, usually around the mouth.
- Highly contagious during active outbreaks.

3. Cover Your Skin

Reducing direct skin-to-skin contact helps prevent infections:

Wear long-sleeved rash guards and spats during training.
Make sure your socks, elbow, and knee pads are clean.

4. Keep Yourself Clean

Good personal hygiene is essential:

Shower immediately after class if possible. We have showers downstairs with soap, all you need is your towel.
If you can’t shower right away, wipe down with baby wipes—the friction helps remove sweat and germs from your skin.
Keep nails trimmed and moisturize to prevent cracks.

5. Cover Cuts and Abrasions

Even small cuts can be entry points for infection:

Clean immediately with soap and water.
Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage.
Do not train on open wounds until fully healed.

6. Help Keep the Gym Safe

Students can also help out by spraying mats after class, which supports hygiene and prevents the spread of germs.

7. Recognize Symptoms and Act Fast

Redness, swelling, pus, or circular patches can indicate an infection. See a doctor and stay home from class until fully cleared.

Train smart. Train clean. Protect yourself and your teammates.