Mat burns and friction injuries in contact sport
Superficial, wide, and prone to infection from shared surfaces. Clean thoroughly, cover always.
Mat burn is friction damage to the skin surface — effectively a graze without the grit. The infection risk comes from the mats rather than the injury.
Clean first
Wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Shared training surfaces carry skin organisms, and skin infections spread readily through contact sport.
Cover it, every session
Any broken skin should be fully covered before you train, both to protect you and to protect training partners. Most clubs require it and are right to.
Choose a dressing that survives
Waterproof backing, edges reinforced with tape, and a change immediately after training rather than hours later.
Stay off the mats if
- The area cannot be reliably covered.
- There is any sign of infection.
- You have an undiagnosed rash — get it checked before returning.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.