The importance of skin hygiene for Combat Sports and Gym Athletes

Preventing common skin infections...

In combat sports and gym environments, athletes push their bodies to the limit. From grappling on the mats to lifting weights, the intensity of these activities exposes your skin to sweat, bacteria, and other contaminants. This creates the perfect breeding ground for common skin infections like ringworm, impetigo, and staph infections—all of which can disrupt your training and lead to time off. To stay in top shape and avoid these issues, proper skin hygiene is critical, and Athletic Body Care is here to help you keep your skin healthy and infection-free.

Understanding common skin infections in combat sports, like MMA, BJJ, wrestling, and gym activities, often involve close contact, making it easier for bacteria and fungi to transfer from one person to another. Here are three of the most common skin infections athletes need to watch out for:

Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection that forms circular, red, and itchy patches on the skin. It thrives in warm, damp environments, which are common in combat sports training rooms and gyms. Wrestling mats, gloves, and other shared equipment can harbor this fungus, making it easy to contract without proper hygiene.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It's highly contagious and often appears as red sores or blisters that can ooze fluid and form yellowish crusts. Open wounds, cuts, and abrasions from sparring or gym equipment can make athletes more vulnerable to this infection.

Staph Infections

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is another common bacteria that athletes need to guard against. It can enter the body through cuts or abrasions, leading to skin infections that may start as small, red bumps but can quickly worsen. In more severe cases, staph infections can require medical treatment and lead to serious complications like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

​How to Prevent Skin Infections Preventing skin infections in combat sports and gym environments requires more than just a quick rinse after training. A consistent and effective hygiene routine is essential to keep your skin healthy and protect it from harmful bacteria and fungi. Here are key tips for athletes:

Shower Immediately After Training

Sweat and dirt can trap bacteria on your skin, leading to infection. It’s important to shower as soon as possible after a workout or match to wash away any contaminants. Athletic Body Care offers body washes with antibacterial properties that clean deep into your skin’s pores, reducing the risk of infection.

Use Antibacterial Soap

Regular soap won’t cut it when it comes to fighting the bacteria athletes encounter during training. Athletic Body Care’s Soap Bars, like the Tea Tree and Activated Charcoal varieties, are formulated with natural antibacterial ingredients to keep your skin clean, healthy, and fresh.

Wipe Down with Body Wipes

Can’t shower immediately? Athletic Body Care Body Wipes are the perfect solution for on-the-go hygiene. These wipes remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria when a full wash isn’t available, making them a must-have in your gym bag.

Disinfect Your Gear and Equipment

Your hygiene doesn’t stop with your body—make sure you clean your gear regularly. Wrestling mats, gloves, shin guards, and even gym bags can carry harmful bacteria. Use disinfectants to wipe down your equipment after each session.

Protect Open Cuts and Abrasions

Combat sports often come with minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and bruises, which can become entry points for bacteria. Cover any open wounds with a clean bandage before training and clean them with an antiseptic after your workout to reduce infection risk.

Stay Dry

Fungi like ringworm thrive in damp conditions, so make sure you dry yourself thoroughly after training, especially in areas prone to sweat like the feet, groin, and underarms.

 

Why Choose Athletic Body Care? At Athletic Body Care, we understand the unique skin challenges athletes face. That’s why our products are specifically designed to fight bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants athletes encounter every day. From antibacterial body washes to on-the-go body wipes, our skincare solutions are formulated with natural ingredients like tea tree oil and eucalyptus to protect and cleanse your skin without harsh chemicals.

Our products are:

Antibacterial and Anti-fungal: Designed to combat the most common causes of skin infections in athletes.

Natural and Effective: Using plant-based ingredients that are tough on germs but gentle on your skin.

Convenient for Active Lifestyles: Perfect for use at home or on the go, keeping your skin clean and protected wherever you train.

Take Control of Your Skin Health. Staying infection-free is key to maintaining peak performance in combat sports and gym environments. With the right hygiene routine and the help of Athletic Body Care, you can protect your skin from harmful bacteria and fungi, ensuring you stay healthy and ready to train. Don’t let infections slow you down—take control of your skin health today.
Explore our full range of products and find the perfect solution for your post-workout skincare routine. Stay protected, stay active, and train confidently with Athletic Body Care.