If a wrestling mat is not cleaned properly athletes may
catch skin diseases.
staphylococcal infections,
ringworm,
impetigo, and
herpes simplex virus
are the four most commonly seen in wrestling. One problem lies in the fact
that not only can wrestlers catch skin disease from other teammates, they
can also catch skin diseases from others who may use the wrestling room.
For example at Lock Haven University physical education classes also use the wrestling
facilities.
How to Clean The Mat
Mats should be cleaned twice daily with disinfectant cleaner. Wrestling
mats should be cleaned two or three hours before each practice or
competition. Mats can be cleaned with 1:100 household bleach and water, 70%
Isoprypyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxidem (1).
How can skin diseases be prevented?
Keeping The Mat Clean
All
mats and walls should be cleaned on a daily basis with a disinfectant
cleaner such as a solution of 1:100 household bleach and water. This
solution should be made everyday (5).
Street shoes should not be worn on a wrestling mat and wrestling shoes
should not be worn off of a wrestling matt (6). This is where the physical
education classes hinder the wrestling room process, PE classes often
just wear whatever shoes they wear outside.
What wrestlers and coaches can do to
stop the spread of skin diseases
General
Do
not use others combs, brushes, hair ornaments, hats, scarves,
towels, washcloths, socks or shoes.
Never walk barefoot in public places. If you must use a public shower area
always wear shower shoes.
After bathing or swimming dry your feet and in between your toes thoroughly.
Do not involve yourself in any contact sports without wearing socks or shoes
(3).
Expose your feet to the air when you are at home.
Change your socks and underwear frequently.
Do
not wear heavy clothing in warm weather that will cause you to sweat.
Check your pets for areas of hair loss(4).
Wrestlers should shower before and after workouts with disinfectant soap.
Clothing should be washed daily including all towels (6).
Wash hands frequently (5).
Wrestling
Following each use of head gear the equipment should be wiped down with
alcohol pads.
Coaches should direct skin inspections on a daily basis.
Wrestlers that have open wounds or any breaks in the skin should be
dissuaded from participating until the skin is healed or the wrestler has
been allowed to participate by a licensed physician. If a wrestler is
cleared to play, they should have the affected area covered to avoid any
cross contamination form happening (6).
If
a wrestler believes they may have a skin infection the athlete must notify
a coach and athletic trainers as soon as possible.
Ventilate the wrestling room with fans to lower the humidity and temperature
Neoprene sleeves and support braces must be wiped with a disinfectant
after each use.
All team members should keep their finger nails short in order to
avoid scratching anyone (5).
If a wrestler sees a skin lesion on his/her body, s/he needs to get it
checked immediately. The wrestler should tell the coach about it, as well
as seeing a physician at the first opportunity. The athletic trainer
should also be made aware of the skin infection.
If a wrestling mat is not cleaned properly athletes may
catch skin diseases.
How to Clean The Mat