Skin diseases can sweep through a team unless the wrestlers are monitored and treated effectively. Preventative measures are of primary importance and require the cooperation of each wrestler, and very close observation of each coach. Skin diseases can not only hinder a wrestler but also cause him/her to be disqualified from competition.

The rules require or recommend that all competitors be checked by medical personnel for communicable diseases before competition, but the fungus may have already spread among the athletes while conducting practice. 

Athletes may not be aware of the skin condition since the infected area does not cause pain or illness, but only slight redness, itching and scaling. It therefore does not motivate the wrestler to stay off the mat. The affected area may also not be visible to the athlete. Areas such as the back of neck/hairline, or back often go unnoticed. The fungus infection is very contagious and the athlete should seek medical treatment immediately, and stay of the mat until every bit of the infection has cleared. 

Treatment may include: oral medication and/or anti-fungal cream (check with your doctor first), but washing and scrubbing with gels like 'Spectro gel' or 'tar based soaps' , regularly after competition and practice, may help to prevent infection. If you do become infected see your doctor immediately - one of the best courses of treatment is Lamisil cream which requires a prescription). The athlete MUST BE COMPULSIVE in the treatment in order for it to be effective. 

Length of infection: The length of infection is dependent on the quickness with which you seek medical help, the type of ringworm which you have and the organism's sensitivity to treatmen, also some individuals have a strong tendency to become easily re-infected 

The Bottom Line If we all do our part we can keep the disease from spreading and have a happy ring worm free wrestling season.