Once a contagious disease enters your place of practice, the effects can spread like wild fire to other members. Most practitioners in any form of grappling are aware of the possibility of catching a skin disease. If you follow some simple preventative measures you can reduce the chances of catching an infection.
When you have constant contact with another person as you do in Jujitsu, you increase the risk of catching several different contagious diseases. Most of these diseases can be easily prevented. Two well known diseases that can be caught while practicing Jujitsu are: Ringworm, and Staph infection (MRSA).
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
This is a deep infection that causes ulcers, sores, and erosion of the skin. The infection will most likely cause suppression of the immune system, and possibly kidney failure. MRSA can result in systemic infection that can lead to lethal pneumonia. (Jesitus, 2011, P.34)
Tinea Capitis (Ringworm)
This type of infection is fungal, and common amongst High School wrestlers. Clinical features vary, but can include pruritis, hair loss, and tenderness of the infected area. Treatment for serious cases is an oral griseofuluin known to have gastrointestinal side effects. (Summers, 2006, P.14)
Preventive Measures
Establish some guidelines for the people you train with. These simple guidelines can reduce the chances of infection from spreading around your club. Raising awareness of the likelihood of diseases entering your place of training is an excellent way to campaign preventive practices. Below is listed some suggestions of preventive practices.
Clean the surface area (mats) before, and after each session. Sweep, and mop the surface with bleach.
Do not allow sneakers, or any unauthorized footwear onto the training surface. This will track in foreign materials from outside.
Place a towel soaked in disinfectant at the entrance of the training surface. This will allow people to wipe their bare feet.
If someone choices to wear wrestling shoes, recommend that they hand carry the shoes onto the training surface.
Enforce showering before, and after each training session.
SafeGuard Soap
Another excellent preventative measure to combat getting infected is to use SafeGuard soap. This is an antibacterial soap that provides germ infection. The soap is registered with the food and drug administration, and it is proven effective in fighting off skin germs that cause infection. The best way to use this product is before a training session.
Conclusion
Jujitsu is an exciting art to learn. Some people learn it for sport, others for self defense. Respect the people who train with you by practicing good hygiene. If you are responsible for the practice surface use preventative measures to protect people from disease while they train.
Reference
"http://arvinlexter.multiply.com."Fill it with Life!. N.p., 1 May 2007. Web. 30 Aug. 2011.
Jesitus, J. (2011). Staph scares: Study shows CA-MRSA threat continues to grow. Dermatology Times, 32(4), 34-36. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Summers, A. (2006). Practice makes perfect: scalp ringworm. Emergency Nurse, 14(6), 18-19. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Darrell Pacansky - A MBA student from Trident University, who currently works in Marketing for one of the largest Chiropractic offices in the state of ...
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