Brazilian jiu jitsu is a popular martial art that involves a lot of grappling and ground fighting. Although it’s a great workout and a lot of fun, it’s not uncommon for BJJ practitioners to suffer from mat burns, which are a type of friction burn caused by rubbing against the mat.
These burns can be painful and can take some time to heal. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether is a good option to use Neosporin for mat burn.
Can you use Neosporin for mat burns?
The short answer is yes, you can use Neosporin for mat burns. Neosporin is a popular topical antibiotic ointment that is used to prevent infection in cuts, scrapes, and burns.
While it’s not specifically marketed for mat burns, it can be used to help prevent infection and speed up the healing process. Neosporin works by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria on the skin, which can help reduce the risk of infection.
Moreover, it is often recommended by BJJ practitioners in combination with liquid bandage or taping.
If you have a mat burn that is not infected, Neosporin can be applied to the affected area to help keep it clean and prevent infection. Here you can read more advice on how to treat mat burn from wrestling.
However, if your mat burn is already infected, you should consult a healthcare professional before using Neosporin or any other topical cream.
How do you treat an infected friction burn?
If you have a mat burn that is showing signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pus, you should seek medical attention immediately. Infections can quickly become serious if left untreated, and you may need antibiotics or other medical treatment to help clear up the infection.
In the meantime, you can try to keep the affected area clean and dry. Gently wash the area with mild soap and water and apply a clean, dry dressing to protect it from further irritation.
What does Neosporin consist of?
The active ingredients in Neosporin may vary depending on the type of Neosporin you choose.
Neosporin contains three active ingredients: neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, and bacitracin zinc. Neomycin and polymyxin B are antibiotics that work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, while bacitracin zinc helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
Is Neosporin a natural remedy?
No, Neosporin is not a natural remedy. It is a topical antibiotic ointment that contains synthetic chemicals to help prevent infection.
Topical creams for BJJ mat burn
In addition to Neosporin, there are several other topical creams that can be used to treat mat burns. Some popular options include:
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and heal the skin.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties and can help prevent infection.
- Hydrocortisone cream: Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
Can BJJ mat burn get infected?
Yes, BJJ mat burns can get infected if they are not properly treated. The friction and pressure from grappling on the mat can cause the skin to break and become vulnerable to bacteria. If a mat burn is not kept clean and dry, bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection.
If you got a severe wrestling mat burn, pay attention to answering the question for yourself whether you can train with mat burn.
Mat burn infection
If you suspect that your mat burn is infected, you should seek medical attention immediately. As mentioned earlier, signs of infection include redness, swelling, and pus.
Infections can quickly become serious if left untreated, and you may need antibiotics or other medical treatment to help clear up the infection.
The impact of medications on BJJ mat burn
While topical creams like Neosporin can be helpful in preventing infection and promoting healing, it’s important to remember that medication is not a substitute for proper rest and recovery.
Overuse of topical creams can actually slow down the healing process, as they can interfere with the natural healing process of the body.
Additionally, if you have an open wound, using certain medications or topical creams can actually make the wound worse and increase the risk of infection.
It’s important to listen to your body and give it the time it needs to heal properly. Rest and recovery are key components to preventing further injury and promoting healing.
The importance of rest and recovery for BJJ mat burn
Rest and recovery are essential for preventing further injury and promoting healing. When you have a mat burn, it’s important to avoid any activities that may aggravate the wound, such as grappling or intense exercise.
Instead, focus on gentle stretching, light exercise, and getting plenty of rest.
To promote the healing of a significant mat burn wound, make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. These things can help support your body’s natural healing process and ensure that you are able to get back to training as soon as possible.
FAQs
What do you put on mat burns?
For non-infected mat burns, you can apply a topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin to the affected area. Other options include aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, or hydrocortisone cream.
In many cases, it is enough to tape the wounded area with proper medical or athletic tape.
Does Vaseline help for mat burn?
Vaseline can help protect the skin and keep it moisturized, but it does not have any antibacterial properties. If you have a non-infected mat burn, you may be able to use Vaseline to help soothe the skin and promote healing.
How do you wrap a BJJ mat burn?
If you need to wrap a mat burn to protect it, you can use a sterile gauze pad and medical tape. Make sure to clean and dry the affected area before applying the gauze, and change the dressing regularly to ensure that the wound stays clean and dry.
In conclusion, mat burns are a common occurrence in BJJ, but they can be prevented and treated with proper care and attention to your moves while training.
While Neosporin can be a helpful tool in preventing infection and promoting healing, it’s important to remember that medication is not a substitute for proper rest and recovery. By taking care of your body and allowing it time to heal, you can get back to training as soon as possible and avoid further injury.
