Best Ways to Prevent Mat Burn and Skin Irritations

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is physically demanding. Between scrambles, takedowns, and daily drilling, your skin takes a serious beating, especially when training on rough mats. One of the most common issues BJJ practitioners face? Matt burn and skin irritation.

Whether it’s a raw elbow, a scraped knee, or a lingering rash from an intense training session, these skin-related problems can derail your consistency, affect your comfort, and—worse—lead to infection if not treated and prevented properly.

At RollBliss, we design gear that protects and performs. But prevention starts with awareness. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of mat burn, how to treat it quickly, and most importantly, how to prevent it so you can keep rolling without distraction or downtime.

Key Takeaways

• Mat burn and skin irritation are common but preventable in BJJ.
• Wearing full-coverage, high-quality gear, such as RollBliss rash guards and spats, is your first line of defense.
• Clean your skin and gear regularly, and treat any wounds promptly to prevent infection.
• Rotate training and recovery strategies when irritation strikes to maintain consistency and safety.

What Causes Mat Burn and Skin Irritations in BJJ?

Mat burn happens when your skin rubs or slides against a rough surface—usually tatami or vinyl mats—causing friction that scrapes away the top layer of skin.

Skin irritations, on the other hand, can stem from:

• Prolonged contact with dirty mats
• Sweat and bacteria buildup
• Allergic reactions to cleaning agents or fabrics
• Minor cuts and abrasions that get infected

While mat burn is usually just uncomfortable, unprotected wounds increase the risk of staph, ringworm, or other skin infections, especially in high-traffic training spaces.

Wear Protective, High-Quality Gear

The easiest way to prevent mat burn? Cover your skin.

Opt for full-length rash guards, spats, or compression leggings that act as a barrier between your body and the mat. The less skin exposed, the less risk of friction and irritation.

At RollBliss, our no-gi sets are designed with:

• Smooth, anti-friction fabric to minimize rubbing
• Breathable, sweat-wicking material to reduce bacteria buildup
• Durable stitching and full coverage to guard knees, elbows, and shoulders

Training shouldn’t feel like a skin sacrifice—and with the right gear, it doesn’t have to.

Clean Your Skin Before and After Training

Mat burn isn’t always just about the friction. Often, it’s what gets into the skin afterward that causes real problems.

Before class:

• Shower or wipe down to remove lotions, oils, or allergens
• Use antibacterial wipes on common exposure areas (knees, elbows, feet)

After class:

• Wash your body thoroughly with antibacterial soap
• Pay extra attention to areas where rash guards or shorts rubbed
• Dry off completely—moisture breeds bacteria

Keeping your skin clean is just as important as keeping your gear clean.

Moisturize Daily to Strengthen Skin

Dry skin is more prone to cracking, rubbing, and infection. A consistent skincare routine helps toughen your outer layer and build resistance to mat-related friction.

Choose a non-greasy moisturizer that includes:

• Aloe vera (soothes irritation)
• Vitamin E (promotes healing)
• Tea tree oil (antibacterial and antifungal)

Apply it after training and before bed. This won’t just help with mat burn—it’ll improve recovery and overall skin health.

Cover Open Wounds Immediately

Even a small mat burn can become a big problem if left untreated.

Steps to treat and protect:

1. Clean the area with warm water and antibacterial soap
2. Apply antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
3. Cover with a non-stick bandage
4. If training, wrap the area with athletic tape or sports gauze to protect it further.

Avoid training if the wound is weeping, infected, or large—not just for your health, but also for the safety of your teammates.

Use Skin Defense Products Before Rolling

Many athletes now apply pre-training defense balms or sprays designed to create a protective layer on the skin. These products can help:

• Repel mat bacteria
• Reduce friction
• Soothe pre-existing irritation

Ensure you select a product specifically designed for grappling and tested for sensitive skin.

Train on Clean Mats—Every Time

You could wear the best rash guard in the world, but if the mats are filthy, your skin’s still at risk.

Always train at gyms that:

• Disinfect mats daily
• Ask students to wear clean gear
• Encourage personal hygiene and skin checks

If you're unsure, bring disinfectant wipes to clean your spot before class. It might feel excessive, but your skin will thank you.

Rotate Training if Skin Is Damaged

If you have a fresh mat burn or rash, avoid activities that exacerbate it. That doesn’t mean skipping class completely.

Try:

• Attending class and just drilling upper-body techniques
• Working on seated guard, hand fighting, or positional escapes
• Using gi grips instead of no-gi friction when possible

Adapt your training while you heal—it keeps you consistent without compounding damage.

How RollBliss Gear Protects Your Skin

From rash guards that shield against friction to no-gi spats that cover your legs without restricting movement, RollBliss is built for skin-conscious grapplers. Our apparel is designed with:

• Flat-lock stitching that prevents irritation
• Full coverage options for knees, elbows, and back
• Odor-resistant and antimicrobial fabrics to reduce the risk of infection
• Soft compression fit that supports movement without skin drag

Whether you’re recovering from mat burn or preventing it before it starts, RollBliss gives your skin what it needs to keep rolling confidently.

Conclusion

Mat burn and skin irritations don’t have to be an inevitable part of training. With smart prevention, thoughtful gear choices, and proper hygiene, you can roll hard without your skin paying the price.

At RollBliss, we don’t just build gear—we build trust in every thread. Trust that your skin is protected. Trust that you can train without hesitation. And trust that what you wear keeps you safer on the mats, every time.

Stay covered. Stay consistent. And keep rolling, blissfully.

FAQs

Can I still train with Mat Burn?

Yes—if the area is small, covered properly, and not infected. However, if the burn is open, painful, or showing signs of infection, it’s best to take a break or modify your training.

Why does my rash guard sometimes make irritation worse?

Not all rash guards are created equal. Cheap materials or poor stitching can rub or trap sweat. RollBliss gear is designed with soft, moisture-wicking fabric and smooth seams to reduce irritation.

What’s the best way to clean my gear to prevent skin issues?

Wash after every session in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners. Hang dry to preserve fabric quality and reduce bacteria buildup.