Wrestling involves several moves and skin to skin contact which is a major reason for wrestlers to develop skin infections such as ringworm. Ringworm is transmitted from person to person due to close body contact of wrestlers. The warm and damp conditions prevalent in wrestling offer a good environment for accumulation of fungus. This causes fungal infection like ringworm among wrestlers. Tinea corporis or ringworm can be contracted on any part of the body.

When a wrestler contracts ringworm:

• On the feet, the fungal infection is called athlete’s foot.
• Similarly, when the wrestler gets the skin infection on the groin area, it is known as jock itch.

Ringworm appears:

• In the form of a raised circle or ring on the skin.
• The edges of ringworm are red or brown in color.
• Wrestlers with skin infection like ringworm experience scaly and peeling skin throughout.

Here are a few signs and symptoms of ringworm.

• Ringworm emerges on the skin in a ring-shaped form and is slightly seen above the skin that surrounds it.
• This itchy rash has a unique appearance and irritates the skin.
• Wrestlers suffering from ringworm experience reddish or brownish bumps on the skin.
• They will also feel the skin is peeling off and becoming scaly.

Ringworm is the most common skin infection among wrestlers and it is highly contagious. Wrestlers are therefore advised to miss practice sessions and matches when infected with skin infection like ringworm. The symptoms of ringworm begin with a few red bumps collected around each other. The bumps gradually rise on the skin in the form of a ring. Tinea corporis or ringworm is characterized by an itchy rash along with healthy-looking skin in the middle.

Causes of ringworm in wrestlers

The major cause of ringworm infections is due to fungi called dermatophytes. The dermatophytes fungi feed on dead skin cells, hair and nail cells.

Ringworm is also caused due to a type of dermatophytes known as trichophyton. Other types of dermatophytes such as microsporum and epidermophyton are also major causes of ringworm in wrestlers.

It is difficult to determine the type of dermatophytes responsible for ringworm. In order to know the specific type of fungus that has caused ringworm it is better to opt for a microscopic examination of the infection.

If left untreated ringworm can spread to the entire wrestling team. Sweating, close skin contact skin friction; shared wrestling mats are some of the major causes of ringworm.

Wrestlers should:

1. Treat broken skin like a small cut or scratch, as it allows fungi to enter the body easily.
2. Tight clothing can also lead to fungal infections like ringworm.
3. Legs, trunks and arms are the major areas where wrestlers catch ringworm. So covering these areas during practice is advisable.
4. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is the best way to treat fungal infections like ringworm