What is Impetigo?
Impetigo is a highly contagious common skin infection that mainly occurs in children ages 2-5 years old. It causes red sores or blisters to form typically around the mouth, nose and hands. The blisters weep fluid and develop yellowish crusting or scabbing.
Causes
Impetigo is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal bacteria invading injured, cracked skin. It spreads rapidly through close physical contact or touching contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms
In addition to blistery red sores and rash, impetigo symptoms include:
- Itching, stinging pain around lesions
- Oozing clear or honey colored fluid
- Crusty golden yellow scabbing
- Swollen lymph nodes in some cases
Left untreated, the infection can spread across the body and the rash lasts 2-3 weeks before healing.
Jiu Jitsu and Impetigo Risks
The direct skin-to-skin contact in jiu jitsu makes contracting contagious skin infections like impetigo highly likely. The friction and abrasions that occur while rolling or grappling enable bacteria on mats to penetrate and infect cuts or scratches.
Preventing Transmission
To avoid spreading impetigo in jiu jitsu academies, instructors should:
- Enforce strict hygiene protocols like cleaning mats daily
- Require students wash extremities & cover wounds before class
- Isolate those showing infection signs from sparring
Early Detection
Frequent skin checks by coaches around knees, elbows and hands where abrasions occur can also identify infections early and isolate affected students.
Left unchecked in close contact sports like jiu jitsu, impetigo outbreaks can quickly sideline teams or even lead to academy shutdowns until eradicated.
Treating Impetigo
Medical Options
If diagnosed with impetigo, doctors often prescribe:
- Antibiotic ointments - Mupirocin or topical fusidic acid applied 3 times daily for 7-10 days.
- Oral antibiotics - Penicillins, cephalosporins or macrolides in severe cases.
Keep sores clean while treating. Trim crusts after softening with wet cloth but don't pick scabs.
Home Remedies
Natural remedies can also treat mild impetigo outbreaks, including:
- Washing with tea tree oil soap - Has antimicrobial action.
- Raw honey - Apply liberally to soothe and fight bacteria.
- Salt water - Dissolve in warm water & dab on sores.
- Turmeric paste - Has antibacterial properties.
- Essential oils - Oils like coconut, lavender and melaleuca remedy skin.
Take oral vitamin C, zinc & probiotics to bolster immune response. Wash bed linens, towels and clothes daily.
Preventing Jiu Jitsu Impetigo Outbreaks
To minimize impetigo risks associated with jiu jitsu and other contact sports, utilize these prevention best practices:
Personal Hygiene Fundamentals
Shower immediately before & after training using antimicrobial soap. Wash gi, gear and wash any skin abrasions/cuts with soap. Keep fingernails clipped short and clean underneath them.
On-Mat Precautions
Wear rash guard under gi to limit skin exposures and open wounds. Avoid rolling or close sparring with partners having suspicious sores or lesions.
Facility Sanitation & Protection
Select academies adhering to cleanliness standards. Mats should be commercial grade, disinfected daily and allow drying. No street shoes on mats!
Report skin infections early to instructors and stay home during contagious phases. Follow doctor treatment orders fully before returning.
Returning to Train After Impetigo
Getting back on the mats too soon after impetigo can restart infection spread. Heed these training return tips:
Wait 72 Hours
Remain out of training for at least 72 hours after starting antibiotics to allow infection treatment time. This helps prevent transmitting bacteria to partners.
No Live Rolling
Upon returning, avoid live grappling until all lesions have dried into scabs that won't leak fluid during intense activity and pressure.
Keep Skin Covered
Keep recovering skin areas covered under rash guard, bandages or wraps as added protection when active. If new lesions develop, stop training again.
Consistent Hygiene
Stay vigilant with hygiene basics like showering with antimicrobial soap before/after class, clipping nails, washing gear. This keeps infection from re-establishing itself on you or spreading to others.
Smart sidelined time and hygienic habits maintain your health, and minimize team risk as you reintegrate into jiu jitsu training.
Preventing Recurrent Impetigo Infections
Some people suffer repeat bouts of impetigo after the initial infection clears. Here is how to stop repeated flare ups:
Improve Immune Defenses
Bolster immune system strength through daily multivitamins containing zinc, vitamin C and vitamin A to prevent bacteria from recurring.
Balance Gut Flora
Take oral probiotic supplements to counter antibiotics effects on gut flora for stronger overall health resistance.
Moisturize Skin Daily
Apply moisturizing creams twice daily to keep skin hydrated and pliant instead of dry and cracked which offers invitation for infection.
Soak in Salts
Salt water bathing creates hostile terrain for bacterial growth. Add bath salt, borax or bleach baths to your weekly hygiene rituals.
Watch For Carriers
Family members may carry contagious bacteria without exhibiting symptoms, so maintain heightened household hygiene as well until impetigo eradication is confirmed.
With some diligent prevention tactics, impetigo recurrence can be reduced and controlled to keep jiu jitsu athletes off injury sidelines long term.
FAQs
How long does impetigo last if untreated?
Without treatment, impetigo typically persists for 2-3 weeks before clearing up on its own. However, the infection can spread to large areas of skin during this time and may leave scars without proper medication.
Can I train jiu jitsu with a bandaged impetigo rash?
You should not train jiu jitsu or grapple with others if you currently have open, weeping impetigo sores or lesions. The friction can disturb bandages and expose infection. Wait until completely scabbed over before gentle return.
Is impetigo curable?
Yes, impetigo is treatable and curable especially when topical or oral antibiotics are administered for 7-10 days under doctor supervision. Good hygiene and skin care also prevents recurrence.
Should I throw out my jiu jitsu gi if I get impetigo?
It is not necessary to discard your jiu jitsu uniform if you come down with impetigo as long as you wash it after every use in very hot, soapy water. Disinfect your gear bag as well until the infection passes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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