Athlete Treatment Options

Treatment Options for Skin Infections in Contact Sports

Athletes in combat sports such as jiu-jitsu, wrestling, MMA, and rugby face a higher risk of skin infections. Mat burns, cuts, and constant close contact can create opportunities for bacteria and fungi to spread. Recognising symptoms early and seeking the right treatment is essential to staying healthy and in training.

Below are some of the common treatments available through UK Meds, who supply both prescription and over-the-counter options.

Visit UK Meds for current available options here.

Bacterial Infections

Conditions like impetigo, folliculitis, and staph infections are often spread through direct contact and can cause redness, swelling, and painful lesions.

  • Fucibet (from £21.98)

    • Combines fusidic acid (antibiotic) with betamethasone (steroid).

    • Kills bacteria while reducing redness, swelling, and itching.

    • Often prescribed for inflamed or infected eczema, but also relevant to bacterial outbreaks seen in athletes.

  • Fucidin Cream (from £19.99)

    • Contains fusidic acid, an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections.

    • Commonly used for impetigo, infected cuts, and abrasions.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch are very common in contact sports, particularly in warm and sweaty training environments.

  • Lamisil AT Antifungal Cream (15g) (from £10.99)

    • Proven to treat athlete’s foot and jock itch.

    • Relieves itching, burning, and discomfort.

  • Mycota Athlete’s Foot Cream (25g) (currently out of stock)

    • Effective antifungal treatment for feet.

    • Helps prevent recurrence with consistent use.

  • Daktarin Cream (currently out of stock)

    • Broad-spectrum antifungal treatment.

    • Works on both skin and nail infections.

Choosing the Right Treatment

  • Bacterial infections → Fucibet or Fucidin.

  • Fungal infections → Lamisil, Mycota, or Daktarin.

  • Infection + inflammation → Fucibet.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Combat Sports Hygiene (CSH) is not a medical provider and does not accept responsibility for the diagnosis or treatment of skin infections. The products listed above are available through UK Meds, and we serve only as a referral point. Athletes should always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting treatment.