Mat burn is a friction abrasion resulting from the skin rubbing against a coarse athletic surface, such as a wrestling or martial arts mat. This mechanical action generates heat, scraping away layers of the skin, much like a mild burn combined with a scrape. The injury is frequent in sports like wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and gymnastics, where participants have sustained contact with the floor covering.
Visual Characteristics and Severity
A minor mat burn typically appears as a raw, red, or pinkish patch of skin, sometimes with a slightly scaly texture where the outermost layer, the epidermis, has been partially removed. This is similar to a superficial burn, affecting only the top layer of skin and usually causing localized pain and tenderness. The appearance is often patchy, linear, or irregularly shaped, reflecting the movement and contact with the abrasive material.
More severe friction injuries can extend deeper into the dermis, classifying them as partial-thickness abrasions. In these cases, the wound looks intensely red and may begin to weep a clear or yellowish fluid, which is plasma leaking from the damaged dermal layer. Blistering can occur, indicating a more significant separation between the layers of the skin due to the heat and friction. If the burn looks white, leathery, or charred, or if sensation is lost, it suggests a much deeper wound requiring immediate medical attention.
Immediate First Aid and Cleaning
Immediate and thorough cleaning is necessary to remove any debris, dirt, or bacteria introduced from the floor surface. Gently rinse the area under cool or lukewarm running water to flush out any foreign material. Following this, use a mild soap or an antimicrobial cleanser to gently wash the wound, which helps to disinfect the compromised skin barrier.
Harsh chemicals, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide should be avoided because they can damage the delicate healing tissue and increase discomfort. After cleaning, the area should be gently patted dry with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. A thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly can be applied to keep the wound bed moist, which promotes faster healing and helps prevent the non-stick dressing from adhering to the injury. Cover the wound with a sterile, non-stick pad or an appropriate bandage to protect it from further contamination and friction.
Recognizing Signs of Infection
Monitoring the wound over the next few days is necessary, as mat burns are susceptible to bacterial infection. Common indicators of a developing infection include an increase in pain, warmth, or swelling occurring two or more days after the initial injury. The redness around the wound may also spread outward, sometimes appearing as red streaks. Discharge from the wound, such as thick, greenish, or foul-smelling pus, suggests a bacterial problem. Systemic symptoms, like a fever or chills, indicate the infection may be spreading beyond the local wound site and warrant prompt consultation with a healthcare professional.