Rashes, Ringworm, Warts: Post-Game Routine Keeps Athletes Healthy

Staph infections, impetigo and ringworm are common skin diseases among youth athletes, and they can be serious enough to sideline competitors. These communicative diseases are often transferred by touch, as well as dirty equipment and uniforms. Unlike college and professional sports teams, which have equipment managers, mom is often the equipment manager for youth athletes.

Because March is National Athletic Training Month, Athletico Physical Therapy’s athletic trainers are making parents, coaches and athletes aware of common post-game/practice mistakes that can result in skin disorders, which ultimately sideline youth athletes. A few of their top tips to perfect student-athletes post-game routines include:

• Safely washing blood-soiled uniforms: to avoid contaminating other clothing, wash uniforms soiled in blood separately. Wash the uniform at the warmest setting allowed on the label.
• Common post-game/practice showering mistakes: loofas are often used well past their “shelf life,” which means they are filled with bacteria. Use a washcloth instead, because people are likely to wash them more regularly. Athletico athletic trainers also suggest showering with a non-scented soap as these tend to do a better job removing germs.
• Athletic padding is a bacteria breeding ground: athletes often store pads and equipment in bags and backpacks immediately after use, when they are moist and sweaty. Air dry equipment after each use to keep it from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and to keep foul odors at bay.
• Sanitize helmets regularly: helmets, regardless of sport, are often overrun with germs and bacteria because they are not frequently cleaned. Using a washcloth and rubbing alcohol, scrub the interior of the helmet weekly.
• Be aware of the team/organization’s cleaning protocol: ask your child’s coach about the procedures used to ensure the team is healthy and able to perform to their potential. Parents have a right to be in the know and should ask questions and offer suggestions.

If you’d like to learn more or if you’d like to schedule a free assessment visit Athletico.com.