I agree with Alberto in the case that these infections can accure when your body is under stress. When I got my "mrsa staph" my body was run down from work and not getting enough rest. So on top of personal hygiene, eat right, and take your vitamins. I also don't think belt colors have anything to do with it either, if anything the higher belts have more experience in reconizing these symtoms. Bottom line is it's a big school and it will always exist, just have to be careful.

Just to clarify what Gaucho stated:

The mats that the white belts train on receives more cleansing treatment than the mats the blue through black belts train on. According to him... It would be insane for him to state that if you are a white belt you are immune to bacteria/infection but once you become a blue belt, your immune system decreases.

fyi... I'm just clarifying Guacho's statement. The above is not my opinion since I have not performed any case studies, taken any bacterial samples, etc...


In my opinion, since this thread was started alot of healthy dialogue about healthy, cleanliness, prevention, etc... has been taking place in the academy. Nearly everyday since this thread was started, I've taken part or overheard people speaking on this subject. Therefore, I give this thread two thumbs up (actually one thumb up since I sprained my thumb on Wednesday). Take care guys

Link below has some good antibacterial products
http://www.matmonster.com/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=2550

Now you guys have me all nervous . . . picked up a rash on my back after class Fri pm. Still hanging around, itches like crazy, kinda looks like spider bites. Looks small in the photo but it's probably 3"x3". What do you think, just a typical gi rash or worth getting checked out?

I'd go to those people that practice modern medicine if I were you and I'd stay off the mats.

Jeff I'm not an expert but I've seen similar rashes before. It's probably a mild case ofEczema, a form of dermatitis.

If this is the case just keep it clean and apply moisturizer to the affected part and you'll be ok in just a day or two.
Talk to David G, for what kind of moisturizers to use, he is an expert.

or go to a doctor.

Anytime that you have to ask such a question. Then you should automatically go get it checked out. As Gilbert said, you should stay off the mat until you've been cleared by a doctor. It's just common courtesy.

YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE DOCTOR !!!! I THOUGHT I HAD A PIMPLE IN MY ARM AND SQUEEZED HARD !!! NEXT DAY I MY FORE ARM WAS UNTOUCHABLE (FROM THE PAIN) AND VERY SWOLLEN. TURNS OUT I HAD THIS SKIN INFECTION CALLED CELULLITIS AND HAD TO TAKE 10 DAYS OFF.
PLEASE GUYS, STAY OFF THE MAT IF YOU HAVE ANY WEIRD THING AROUND YOUR BODY. THIS IS NO JOKE. SPECIALLY THIS MONTH. MUNDIALS ARE 2 1/2 WEEKS AWAY AND I DONT THINK ANYONE OF US THAT ARE GOING OUT THERE TO FIGHT, CAN AFFORD TO GET SICK.
JUST BE SMART AND HAVE COMMON SENSE !

I got a boil on my arm and had it checked out by a dermatologist instead of training. It will first look like a pimple, but it will soon clearly have a discolored head surrounded by a reddened area. Mine looked like the first pic, but the head (white spot) was far less pronounced and was colored like vaseline.

The doctor will cut into the boil and drain it out and cover it with antibiotics. Since we are grapplers, we are at higher risk for MRSA, so I'm now scarfing down powerful antibiotics. I have also received ointment for the specific spot. Make sure to let them know you grapple, or he won't treat you with more powerful medication.

If you go and catch it early, you will be cleared to get back on the mats sooner rather than later. The doctor even told me that since I caught it early, I could come back the same day (Friday). I'm staying out until Monday to be safe.

Please PLEASE make sure to check yourself and if you spot something, go get it checked out early. You will be less of a danger towards yourself and others. You'll be able to get back on the mats earlier too.