First Aid for Fighters: Itchy noses and MRSA scares

Dear Doc Dill,

Every now and then when I get popped in the nose, I notice it itching more than hurting. This happens with certain people more than others. Do I just need to tell them to clean their gloves, or do I need to worry about MRSA?

Karl Malden

Well you actually have asked 2 questions, Karl. The first “My nose itches when hit.” Well that’s easy. It’s probably just a histamine release caused by capillary destruction due to the blow to the nose. Other causes could be an underlying case of Rosacea, also known as adult acne, although it is not acne at all. It’s an immune system disorder characterized by a red rash on the face and nose exacerbated by trauma foods and other irritants. It’s the cause of the giant bulbous nose ala W.C. Fields and your namesake. It is unlikely but could be an allergy to something on your partner’s glove. Like cat urine or leather conditioner.

The second question is “should I fear MRSA?”

Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus is a variant of stap aureus that was caused by the overuse of antbiotics. Blame all those friends of yours who get an “antibiotic” every time they get a cold. If you work in a hospital or frequent hospitals or nursing homes you are more susceptible. If you have an immune system disorder like AIDS you need to be extremely careful. The rest of us should just use normal everyday hygiene precaution. Wash your hands disinfect your gear and let it dry regularly. Wear clean clothes especially to work out in. If you get cut, clean it and cover it. Change the bandage regularly and if it starts getting red and oozing pus go to a doctor.

MMA rats and wrestlers are much more likely to get Impetigo than MRSA. Those high school kids that got it are likely getting exposed to it somewhere else like visiting gramma in the nursing home and bringing it to school. Children are slobs and carry germs like petrie dishes. In my World they would ALL go away to boarding school until they are 18.

DD

In case you missed it earlier, Doc Dill isn't actually a doctor. Take his advice for what it's worth, but consider talking to someone with the appropriate credentials.