Can you train with mat burn? [Explained]

As a persistent jiu jitsu practitioner, you may encounter a mat burn issue at some point. Apart from the very fact of an unpleasant and often painful experience, another situation that comes up is to understand – Can you train with mat burn or better not?

The main worry is about whether it’s safe to train with mat burn or not, and if so, how to modify your training to avoid worsening the injury.

Here we will discuss this question so you have more ground to make the right decision for you. We will also refer to some actionable advice on how to deal with mat burn while continuing to train.

What is mat burn?

First things first.

Mat burn is a type of skin injury caused by friction between the skin and a rough surface, such as a wrestling mat or a jiu-jitsu mat.

If you’re a grappling athlete, you’re no stranger to mat burn. This type of friction burn can happen when your skin rubs against the rough surface of a wrestling or BJJ mat, leaving painful red marks or even open wounds. But can you train with mat burn, or do you need to take time off to let it heal?

The severity of mat burn

Mat burns can range from minor irritation to a painful wound, depending on the severity.

Minor mat burns may be treated with simple first aid, like washing the area with soap and water and applying a healing ointment. More severe mat burns may require medical attention, especially if they become infected.

Can you train with mat burn?

The answer to this question depends on the severity of the mat burn.

If the mat burn is minor and doesn’t cause too much pain, you may be able to train as usual, with a few modifications. For example, you may need to avoid certain techniques or movements that aggravate the affected area, or you may need to wear protective padding or bandages to prevent further injury.

However, if the mat burn is more severe, it’s best to take a break from training until it heals.

Attempting to train with an open wound can increase the risk of infection and may make the injury worse.

How to deal with mat burns in BJJ?

Earlier we have already considered the issue of dealing with mat burns in wrestling and other grappling styles in detail. You can find practical advice in our article about treating mat burn from wrestling. Also, some more aspects we mentioned in talking about how to protect your feet during BJJ.

If you’re dealing with mat burns in BJJ, there are several steps you can take to prevent them and treat them when they do occur. Here are some tips:

• Wear appropriate clothing and gear to protect your skin from the rough surface of the mat.
• Use skin protectants like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide cream to reduce friction and prevent mat burns.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent infection.
• If the mat burn is minor, apply a healing ointment and cover the area with a bandage or tape.
• Take a break from training if the mat burn is severe or painful.

Pre wrap athletic tape for mat burns on Amazon

How to prevent mat burn on feet and toes?

Feet and toes are especially susceptible to mat burn in BJJ and wrestling. To prevent mat burn in these areas, you can take the following precautions:

• Wear grappling socks to protect your feet and toes.
• If you prefer to train barefoot, consider using a foot cream or powder to reduce friction.
• Keep your toenails short to prevent them from catching on the mat and causing friction.

Sanabul grappling socks

Roar martial arts socks

RDX MMA Socks

Potential risks of training with mat burn

Training with mat burn can pose some risks, especially if the injury is severe. Here are some potential risks to keep in mind:

• Increased risk of infection
• Worsening of the injury
• Pain or discomfort during training

Mat burns can get infected if not properly treated. Bacteria can enter the open wound and cause an infection, which can be serious if left untreated. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and pus.

If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to train with mat burn, it is best to exercise caution and take a break from training until the injury has healed. You may also be interested in hearing from experts in the field, such as coaches with experience, who can provide additional insights and advice.

How to modify training with mat burn?

If you do decide to train with mat burn, there are some modifications you can make to reduce the risk of further injury. Here are some tips:

• Avoid techniques or movements that aggravate the affected area.
• Take breaks as needed to allow the injury to heal.
• Communicate with your training partners and instructor about your injury and any necessary modifications to your training.

How long does it take for mat burn to heal?

The healing time for mat burn depends on the severity of the injury. Minor mat burns may heal within a few days with proper treatment, while more severe mat burns may take several weeks to heal.

It’s important to keep the affected area clean and dry and to avoid any activities that may aggravate the injury while it heals.

Conclusion

Mat burn is a common injury in grappling sports like BJJ and wrestling. While it can be painful and inconvenient, with proper treatment and precautions, you can continue to train while the injury heals.

However, it’s important to take the severity of the injury into account and to seek medical attention if necessary to prevent infection and promote healing.

Remember to communicate with your training partners and instructor about your injury and any necessary modifications to your training.