Not getting ringworm

[rich1990]

I'm a senior in high school right now and have been wrestling since junior high. I never used to have any problems but since hitting high school I have caught ringworm twice. I've been told that it's from bacteria on the mats or the other guys skin. Is that true and what can I do to prevent catching it again this year?

[Schlottke]

Shower immediately after practice and if they aren't already, make sure the mats are disinfected before practice each day.

The line of skin protection products on MatFish is another line of defense that you may want to look into as well.

[Wrestling_Prodigy]

Shower immediately after practice and if they aren't already, make sure the mats are disinfected before practice each day.

The line of skin protection products on MatFish is another line of defense that you may want to look into as well.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[M Richardson]

Ringworm (tinea corpus) is not a bacterial infection. It is a fungus. Like a mushroom, it likes things moist and dark. Disinfect the mats. Take a thorough shower. Wash your gear after each practice. Don't share towels, shirts, headgear, kneepads, etc. Use a disinfectant on headgear and non-washable gear. At tournaments where you will be going all day without the chance of showering, use a skin guard (Kennedy KS Skin Creme has worked well for us). The whole idea is to not let the fungus get started.

[gjfovf]

Underarmor-like rash guards help as well, but listed to schlottke, and mrichardson. Hygene is key.

[Schlottke]

Another thing to add to M Richardson's post, wash your towels. Don't let them sit in a dark locker after use.

[rich1990]

Thanks for the answer, especially finding out that bacteria doesn't cause the worm but its a fungus instead. No wonder antibacterial stuff wasn't working for me. The mats at my school are disinfected after every time they are used but I don't know when we're at another school.

I do all the rest of the suggestions - always shower, always use clean towel and don't let gear sit and stink.

Also thanks for the recommendation of the products at matfish. I took a look and that Defense line looks fairly cheap and it says it takes care of bacteria and fungus. Anyone try that particular stuff?

[arm-spin]

"Selsum Blue" shampoo is supposed to work as an antifungal. Use it as body soap when you shower.

[M Richardson]

"Selsum Blue" shampoo is supposed to work as an antifungal. Use it as body soap when you shower.

I read a study done at one of the east coast wrestling schools (can't remember which school) that used Selsun Blue. They washed the effected area with the shampoo prior to applying anti-fungal medication. Using the shampoo greatly aided in clearing up the infection shortening the time frame for healing considerably. I don't recall them using it as a prophylactic measure. It is VERY drying. I would be concerned about drying the skin and causing small fissures - which then act as places for the fungus to get started. Any good soap should be sufficient for body hygene.

Schlottke - how did I forget towels?