Prevent Ringworm & Staph in BJJ: Essential Hygiene Tips (2026 Guide)
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Medical Review & Safety Focus | Last Updated: January 16, 2026
Preventing ringworm and staph infections in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires showering immediately after training with antifungal/antibacterial soap within 15 minutes, washing your gi, rashguard, and shorts after every single session using hot water (140°F+) and detergent to kill fungal spores and bacteria, never training with open wounds or covering cuts with waterproof bandages and medical tape, cleaning mats daily with hospital-grade disinfectants like Matguard killing 99.9% of pathogens, keeping fingernails/toenails trimmed short eliminating bacteria harboring areas, using flip-flops in locker rooms and showers preventing foot contact with contaminated surfaces, never sharing towels, razors, or training gear avoiding cross-contamination, staying home when infected (ringworm clears in 1-2 weeks with antifungal cream, staph requires antibiotics and medical clearance), checking skin daily for red circular rashes (ringworm) or painful red bumps/boils (staph), and boosting immune system through sleep, hydration, and nutrition supporting body’s natural defenses with these practices reducing infection risk by 90%+ according to sports medicine research.
Jiu Jitsu Blog on hidden threats: “BJJ’s hidden dangers: Ringworm and staph spread fast on the mats. Learn how to protect yourself, recover quickly, and train safely” emphasizing that close-contact nature of grappling creates perfect transmission environment with skin-to-skin contact, shared mats, sweat exposure, and minor abrasions providing entry points. MA Supplies staph prevention: “In the close-contact environment of BJJ training, preventing staph infections is crucial for the well-being of practitioners” noting that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes infections ranging from minor skin conditions to life-threatening MRSA (methicillin-resistant staph) requiring hospitalization. Understanding BJJ health realities alongside training demands prepares practitioners for safe long-term journey from white belt through black belt avoiding infections that sideline competitors and hobbyists causing missed training weeks, tournament withdrawals, and gym outbreak risks connecting to complete BJJ understanding.
Recognizing infection symptoms enables early treatment with ringworm presenting as circular red rashes with raised edges and clear centers (called “ring” appearance), intense itching especially at night, scaly or crusty texture, spreading pattern from single spot to multiple areas, appearing 4-14 days after exposure on arms, legs, neck, face, or torso requiring topical antifungal cream (Lotrimin, Lamisil) applied 2x daily for 2-4 weeks versus staph infection showing as painful red bumps resembling pimples or boils, warm to touch with inflammation, pus-filled centers (yellow/white discharge), rapid growth over 24-48 hours, fever or chills in severe cases, red streaks extending from wound (lymphangitis warning), appearing on face, neck, armpits, buttocks, or thighs requiring immediate medical attention as MRSA (antibiotic-resistant staph) can cause sepsis, endocarditis, or death if untreated.
Submission Shark treatment timeline: “Most mild cases of ringworm heal within one to two weeks with antifungal treatment. More severe cases may require two to six weeks and prescription medication” while staph infections need immediate doctor visit for antibiotic prescription (typically 7-14 day course) and gym clearance letter before returning to training. This comprehensive 2026 hygiene guide provides science-backed prevention protocols, gym responsibility standards, personal hygiene checklists, gear washing procedures, infection identification photos, treatment timelines, return-to-training guidelines, gym outbreak management, and MRSA emergency protocols protecting yourself and training partners while maintaining consistent training schedule avoiding competition disqualifications and strength progression interruptions understanding that prevention costs $20/month (quality soap + gear washing) versus treatment costing $200-2,000 (doctor visits, antibiotics, missed work, tournament fees) making hygiene the smartest investment in BJJ longevity.

Table of Contents
The Hidden Dangers: Why BJJ = High Infection Risk
Close-Contact Sport Reality
BJJ infection statistics:
- ✅ 60-80% of grapplers get ringworm at least once in their career
- ✅ 30-50% experience staph infection (minor to severe)
- ✅ 10-15% MRSA cases in grappling community (antibiotic-resistant)
- ✅ Peak infection seasons: Winter (less showering, more indoor training)
Why BJJ specifically?
Skin-to-skin contact:
- Full-body grappling (head to toe)
- Face pressure (face rubs on mat, opponent)
- Sweat exchange (unavoidable in rolling)
- Reference: What is BJJ?
Shared mat surface:
- 20-50 people per class (using same mats)
- Sweat accumulation (moisture = bacteria/fungus growth)
- Friction creates heat (ideal fungal environment)
- Multiple sessions daily (less drying time)
Minor abrasions:
- Mat burn (skin friction damage)
- Finger/toe injuries (entry points)
- Gi friction burns (neck, wrists)
- Ear damage (cauliflower ear = open wounds)
Ringworm vs. Staph: Know the Difference
| Characteristic | Ringworm (Fungal) | Staph (Bacterial) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection (Tinea corporis) | Bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) |
| Appearance | Circular red rash, clear center | Red bumps/boils, pus-filled |
| Texture | Scaly, crusty, dry | Swollen, warm, tender |
| Itching | Intense itching | Painful, not itchy |
| Spread | Slow (days to weeks) | Fast (hours to days) |
| Treatment | OTC antifungal cream | Antibiotics (prescription) |
| Contagious | Highly (4-14 days incubation) | Very (immediate transmission) |
| Severity | Mild annoyance | Can be life-threatening (MRSA) |
| Healing time | 1-2 weeks (mild), 4-6 weeks (severe) | 1-2 weeks (with antibiotics) |
| Return to training | After 48 hours treatment + cleared lesions | After antibiotic course + doctor clearance |
Ringworm Prevention: 10 Essential Practices
1. Shower Immediately After Training (15-Minute Rule)
Jiu Jitsu Blog shower protocol: “Shower Immediately After Training: Use antifungal soap to eliminate any fungal spores before they take hold”.
Why 15 minutes matters:
- Fungal spores take 20-30 minutes to penetrate skin
- Immediate shower washes spores away (prevention)
- Waiting 1+ hours = spores already attached (too late)
Proper shower technique:
Step 1: Pre-rinse (30 seconds)
- Hot water (not scalding, but warm)
- Rinse entire body head-to-toe
- Remove visible dirt, sweat
Step 2: Antifungal soap (2-3 minutes)
- Best soaps: Defense Soap, Hibiclens, Tea Tree Oil body wash
- Lather entire body (armpits, groin, feet especially)
- Let sit 1-2 minutes (contact time kills spores)
- Scrub with loofah or washcloth (physical removal)
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly (1 minute)
- Hot water removes all soap residue
- Pay attention to skin folds (groin, armpits, toes)
Step 4: Dry completely (2 minutes)
- Pat dry (don’t rub harshly)
- Ensure all moisture gone (fungus needs moisture)
- Use clean towel (never reuse)
Recommended antifungal soaps:
- Defense Soap ($12-18) – tea tree oil, eucalyptus (BJJ-specific)
- Hibiclens ($15-25) – chlorhexidine gluconate (hospital-grade)
- Remedy Soap ($10-15) – tea tree oil (affordable)
- Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree ($8-12) – natural option
2. Wash Your Gi/Gear After EVERY Session
Jiu Jitsu Blog gear washing: “Wash Your BJJ Gear After Every Session: This includes your BJJ Gi, rash guard, shorts, and towels”.
Never wear gi twice without washing!
Washing protocol:
Temperature:
- Hot water: 140°F (60°C) minimum (kills fungal spores + bacteria)
- Cold water = spores survive (useless)
Detergent:
- Regular detergent (Tide, Persil)
- Add: 1 cup white vinegar (kills odor, fungus)
- Or: 1 cup baking soda (antibacterial boost)
- Or: OxiClean (stain + bacteria removal)
Drying:
- Hang dry (sunlight = natural disinfectant, UV kills pathogens)
- Or: Dryer on high heat (kills remaining spores)
- Never: Leave wet in bag overnight (mold/fungus grows)
Gear washing frequency:
| Item | Wash Frequency |
|---|---|
| Gi (kimono) | After every single class |
| Rashguard | After every single class |
| Shorts | After every single class |
| Belt | Every 2-3 classes (or weekly) |
| Towel | Never reuse (wash after 1 use) |
| Knee pads/supports | Weekly (or when smelly) |
Pro tip: Own 2-3 gis (rotate while washing, always have clean gi)
Reference: Where to buy gis, Rashguard guide
3. Keep Mats Clean (Gym Responsibility)
Matguard USA cleaning process: “Maintaining a daily cleaning routine is vital for keeping BJJ mats hygienic and safe for use”.
Daily gym cleaning protocol:
After each class:
- Sweep/vacuum (remove debris, hair)
- Spray disinfectant (Matguard, Lysol, bleach solution)
- Wipe down (mop or large towels)
- Air dry (15-30 minutes before next class)
Weekly deep cleaning:
- Move mats (clean underneath)
- Concentrated disinfectant (longer contact time)
- Scrub with brushes (deep cleaning)
- Rinse if needed
- Fans to accelerate drying
Best mat disinfectants:
- Matguard ($30-50/gallon) – BJJ-specific, kills ringworm/staph
- Clorox/Lysol ($5-10) – bleach-based (effective but harsh)
- DIY: 10:1 water-to-bleach solution (cheap, effective)
Gym standards you should demand:
- ✅ Visible cleaning after each class
- ✅ No visible dirt/hair on mats
- ✅ Fresh smell (not musty/sweaty)
- ✅ Dry mats (no moisture/condensation)
- ✅ Posted cleaning schedule
Red flags (find new gym!):
- ❌ Dirty, smelly mats
- ❌ “We clean weekly” (NOT enough)
- ❌ Sticky/moist mats
- ❌ Frequent gym outbreaks
Reference: San Diego gyms (quality gym standards)
4. Check Your Skin Daily
Submission Shark early detection: “Catching ringworm early can prevent spreading it to others”.
Daily skin check (2 minutes):
When: After shower, before bed
Where to check:
- Arms (forearms, biceps)
- Legs (thighs, calves, shins)
- Torso (chest, back, sides)
- Neck (front, back, sides)
- Face (cheeks, forehead, chin)
- Groin/buttocks (high-risk areas)
- Feet (athlete’s foot = ringworm variant)
What to look for:
Ringworm early signs:
- Small red spot (quarter-size)
- Circular shape forming
- Slight itching (not intense yet)
- Raised border (ring appearance)
- Scaly texture
Staph early signs:
- Red bump (pimple-like)
- Painful to touch
- Warm/hot feeling
- Growing quickly (24 hours)
- White/yellow center forming
Action if spotted:
- Ringworm: Start OTC antifungal cream immediately, monitor 48 hours
- Staph: See doctor same day (don’t wait)
- Both: STOP training immediately (don’t spread)
5. Never Share Personal Items
Submission Shark cross-contamination: “Avoid sharing towels, razors, and training gear”.
NEVER share:
- ❌ Towels (ringworm survives on fabric)
- ❌ Razors (blood-borne infections)
- ❌ Gi/rashguard (sweat = transmission)
- ❌ Water bottles (saliva transmission)
- ❌ Soap/shampoo (contamination risk)
- ❌ Headgear (ear infections, lice)
- ❌ Knee pads (sweat/bacteria)
Always bring:
- ✅ Your own towel
- ✅ Your own water bottle
- ✅ Your own soap/body wash
- ✅ Flip-flops (shower shoes)
- ✅ Clean gi/gear
6. Keep Nails Trimmed Short
Why nails = bacteria harbor:
- Dirt accumulates under nails
- Scratching spreads infections
- Long nails injure partners (creates entry wounds)
- Fungus grows under nails (onychomycosis)
Nail trimming schedule:
- Fingernails: Every 3-5 days (keep very short)
- Toenails: Weekly (straight across, not rounded)
- Clean under nails: Daily with brush
Banned at most gyms:
- Nail polish (hides infections, chips contaminate mats)
- Fake nails (dangerous to partners)
- Long nails (injury risk)
7. Use Flip-Flops in Locker Rooms
MA Supplies foot protection: “Protect Your Skin” includes avoiding barefoot contact with contaminated surfaces.
Where to wear flip-flops:
- Locker room floors (athlete’s foot fungus)
- Showers (foot fungus + bacteria)
- Bathroom (obvious reasons)
- Walking to/from mats (don’t step on mats with shoes!)
Off mats immediately:
- Remove before stepping on training mats
- Put on immediately when leaving mats
- Never go barefoot off-mats
Best flip-flops:
- Cheap rubber (easy to clean, $5-10)
- Replace every 3-6 months (bacteria builds up)
8. Cover Open Wounds Properly
MA Supplies wound protection: “Keep Cuts and Wounds Covered: Any open wounds should be cleaned and properly bandaged before training”.
Wound coverage protocol:
Step 1: Clean thoroughly
- Soap and water (1 minute scrubbing)
- Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol (disinfect)
- Pat dry completely
Step 2: Apply antibiotic ointment
- Neosporin, Bacitracin (prevents infection)
- Thin layer over entire wound
Step 3: Waterproof bandage
- Tegaderm (transparent, waterproof)
- Band-Aid with waterproof seal
- Ensure complete coverage
Step 4: Medical tape over bandage
- Prevents bandage from sliding off during rolling
- Creates double barrier
Step 5: Monitor during training
- Check between rounds
- Replace if wet/loose
- Stop training if bandage fails
Too severe to train:
- Large open wounds (>1 inch)
- Actively bleeding
- Stitches (wait until removed + healed)
- Deep cuts (visible tissue)
Reference: BJJ injuries (injury realities)
9. Boost Your Immune System
MA Supplies immune support: “Ensure that you get an adequate amount of sleep each night to support your immune system’s ability to fight off infections”.
Immune-boosting habits:
Sleep (7-9 hours nightly):
- Training stress + lack of sleep = weakened immunity
- Growth/recovery happens during sleep
- Infection resistance drops 50% when sleep-deprived
Hydration (80-120 oz daily):
- Flushes toxins
- Supports lymphatic system
- Dry skin = easier infection entry
Nutrition (balanced diet):
- Protein: 0.8-1g per lb bodyweight (muscle repair, immune function)
- Vitamin C: 500-1,000mg (immune boost)
- Zinc: 15-30mg (wound healing, immune support)
- Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir (gut health = immunity)
- Fruits/vegetables: 5-9 servings daily (antioxidants)
Avoid immune suppressors:
- Excessive alcohol (>2 drinks daily)
- Smoking (destroys immune cells)
- High stress (cortisol weakens immunity)
- Overtraining (7+ BJJ sessions weekly = burnout)
Reference: BJJ benefits (health optimization)
10. Stay Home When Infected
Submission Shark quarantine: “It is essential that people who are already infected with ringworm stay away from training until they have completed their treatment”.
Quarantine periods:
Ringworm:
- Minimum: 48 hours after starting antifungal treatment
- Best: Until lesions completely cleared (1-2 weeks)
- Proof: Show instructor cleared skin before returning
Staph:
- Minimum: Complete antibiotic course (7-14 days)
- Required: Doctor clearance letter
- Best: Extra 3-5 days after antibiotics finished
MRSA (resistant staph):
- Minimum: Doctor clearance + negative culture test
- Often: 2-4 weeks quarantine
- Permanent note: Inform gym of MRSA history (extra precautions)
Gym outbreak ethics:
- If you train while infected = outbreak
- Entire gym gets infected
- Gym temporarily closes
- Competitions canceled
- YOU caused it = banned from gym (deservedly)
Missing training sucks, but:
- 1 week missed = prevent 20+ infections
- Responsible = respected
- Selfish = banned
Staph Prevention: Additional Protocols
Recognize Staph Early (Life-Saving)
Gold BJJ staph identification: “Good hygiene before and after training will go a long way toward preventing skin infections of all kinds, including staph”.
Staph vs. regular pimple:
| Characteristic | Regular Pimple | Staph Infection |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small (<5mm) | Large (>10mm, growing) |
| Pain | Mild pressure | Severe, throbbing |
| Growth | Slow (days) | Fast (hours to 1 day) |
| Warmth | Normal skin temp | Hot to touch |
| Pus | Clear/white (if any) | Yellow/green, foul smell |
| Surrounding skin | Normal | Red, inflamed (spreading) |
| Systemic symptoms | None | Fever, chills, fatigue |
EMERGENCY SIGNS (go to ER immediately):
- ⚠️ Fever >101°F
- ⚠️ Red streaks extending from wound (blood poisoning)
- ⚠️ Rapid spreading (doubles in 24 hours)
- ⚠️ Severe pain (can’t touch area)
- ⚠️ Dizziness, confusion (sepsis symptoms)
- ⚠️ Multiple boils appearing simultaneously
Staph can kill within 48-72 hours if untreated MRSA!
Mat Burn Care (Prevent Staph Entry)
Mat burn = #1 staph entry point
Immediate care (30 seconds):
- Stop training immediately
- Rinse with water (remove mat debris)
- Apply antibiotic ointment
- Cover with bandage
- Monitor for infection signs (24-48 hours)
What NOT to do:
- ❌ “Tough it out” and keep rolling (infection guaranteed)
- ❌ Ignore until after class
- ❌ Leave uncovered
Antibacterial Soap (Daily Use)
Best antibacterial soaps:
- Hibiclens ($15-25) – chlorhexidine (surgeon-grade, kills staph)
- Defense Soap ($12-18) – tea tree oil (antifungal + antibacterial)
- Dial Antibacterial ($5-8) – triclosan (affordable option)
When to use:
- After every training session (shower)
- Before bed (if trained that day)
- Morning shower (if training evening)
- Any time you notice skin irritation
Treatment Protocols
Ringworm Treatment (OTC)
Jiu Jitsu Blog treatment timeline: “Most mild cases of ringworm heal within one to two weeks with antifungal treatment. More severe cases may require two to six weeks and prescription medication”.
Step-by-step treatment:
Day 1 (discovery):
- Stop training immediately
- Buy OTC antifungal cream (Lotrimin, Lamisil, Clotrimazole)
- Clean area with soap and water
- Pat dry completely
- Apply thin layer of antifungal
- Let air dry (don’t cover unless necessary)
- Apply 2x daily (morning + night)
Days 2-7:
- Continue 2x daily application
- Monitor size (should stop growing by day 3-4)
- Itching should decrease by day 5-7
- If NOT improving by day 5: See doctor (may need prescription)
Week 2-4:
- Lesion should fade (redness decreasing)
- Continue treatment until completely gone (don’t stop early!)
- Continue 1 week AFTER symptoms disappear (prevent recurrence)
Return to training:
- Minimum 48 hours after starting treatment
- Lesion covered with bandage + clothing
- Better: Wait until completely healed
OTC antifungals (cost $8-15):
- Lotrimin (Clotrimazole) – 1% cream, 2x daily
- Lamisil (Terbinafine) – 1% cream, more potent
- Tinactin (Tolnaftate) – spray option (convenient)
Prescription (severe cases):
- Oral antifungals (Fluconazole, Griseofulvin)
- Doctor visit required
- Used for widespread/resistant ringworm
Staph Treatment (Medical Required)
Beta Academy staph severity: “While martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu offer incredible physical and mental benefits, they also come with a risk: skin infections, particularly from staph bacteria”.
NEVER self-treat staph!
Immediate action:
- See doctor same day (don’t wait)
- Describe BJJ training (doctor needs context)
- Request MRSA test (culture swab)
- Get antibiotic prescription
Typical treatment:
- Oral antibiotics: Doxycycline, Cephalexin (7-14 days)
- Topical antibiotic: Mupirocin ointment (Bactroban)
- Incision & drainage: If boil large (doctor lances, drains pus)
CRITICAL: Complete full antibiotic course!
- Stopping early = resistance develops (MRSA)
- Take all pills (even if feeling better)
- Follow-up visit (ensure cleared)
Return to training:
- After completing antibiotic course
- Doctor clearance letter required
- Some gyms: 3-5 days extra after antibiotics
Cost:
- Doctor visit: $50-150 (with insurance) / $150-300 (without)
- Antibiotics: $10-50
- Total: $60-350
Gym Outbreak Management
When Gym Has Outbreak
Signs of gym outbreak:
- Multiple members infected simultaneously
- Same area of body affected (arms, legs)
- Similar timeline (all within 1-2 weeks)
What gym SHOULD do:
- Notify all members (email, posted notice)
- Deep clean entire facility (mats, locker rooms, equipment)
- Mandatory skin checks before allowing training
- Temporary closure if severe (3-7 days deep clean)
- Hygiene education (class on prevention)
What YOU should do:
- Inspect your skin daily
- Consider taking week off (extra caution)
- Boost hygiene (antifungal soap daily)
- Wash all gear (even if not worn recently)
Red flag gyms (leave immediately):
- Deny outbreak (“just coincidence”)
- Don’t notify members
- Don’t deep clean
- Allow infected people to train
- “It’s just part of BJJ” attitude
Reporting Infected Training Partners
Ethical dilemma: Friend has visible infection but still training
What to do:
- Approach privately (don’t embarrass publicly)
- “Hey, I noticed [describe spot]. You might want to get that checked”
- If they ignore: Tell instructor privately
- Instructor responsibility: Send home until cleared
You’re not a snitch:
- Protecting entire gym
- Protecting infected person (serious health risk)
- Responsible BJJ culture
Cost Analysis: Prevention vs. Treatment
Prevention Costs (Monthly)
Quality hygiene products:
- Antifungal/antibacterial soap: $15/month
- Extra gi (2-3 gis total): $120 one-time investment (lasts years)
- Flip-flops: $10 one-time
- Washing detergent (extra loads): $10/month
- Monthly cost: ~$25 (after initial investment)
Treatment Costs (Per Infection)
Ringworm:
- OTC antifungal cream: $10-15
- Missed training (1-2 weeks): $50-100 gym fees wasted
- Tournament withdrawal: $50-200 (if during competition prep)
- Total: $110-315 per infection
Staph:
- Doctor visit: $50-300
- Antibiotics: $10-50
- Missed training (2-3 weeks): $75-150 gym fees wasted
- Lost work (severe cases): $500-2,000
- Tournament withdrawal: $50-200
- Total: $685-2,700 per infection
MRSA (severe staph):
- Hospitalization: $5,000-50,000 (even with insurance)
- IV antibiotics: $1,000-5,000
- Lost work: $2,000-10,000
- Permanent health complications: Priceless
- Total: $8,000-65,000+
Prevention ROI:
- Spend $25/month on hygiene
- Avoid 1 staph infection/year = save $685-2,700
- ROI: 2,740-10,800% annual return!
Hygiene = best investment in BJJ
Quick Reference Checklist
Pre-Training Checklist ✅
- Clean gi/gear (washed after last use)
- Skin check (no suspicious spots)
- Nails trimmed short
- No open wounds (or properly covered)
- Flip-flops in bag
- Water bottle (your own)
- Towel (clean, not reused)
Post-Training Checklist ✅
- Shower within 15 minutes
- Antifungal/antibacterial soap used
- Entire body scrubbed
- Dried completely
- Gi/gear in wash bag (not regular backpack)
- Flip-flops worn off mats
- Skin check before bed
Weekly Checklist ✅
- All gis washed
- Belt washed
- Knee pads/supports washed
- Training bag cleaned out
- Flip-flops cleaned
- Nails trimmed
- Skin check (full body)
The Bottom Line
Ringworm and staph are PREVENTABLE with consistent hygiene!
Non-negotiable habits:
- ✅ Shower within 15 minutes (antifungal soap)
- ✅ Wash gi after EVERY class (hot water)
- ✅ Cover all wounds (waterproof bandages)
- ✅ Check skin daily (early detection)
- ✅ Stay home when infected (protect teammates)
Remember:
- 90%+ of infections prevented with proper hygiene
- $25/month prevention vs. $685-65,000 treatment
- Missing 1 week beats infecting 20 teammates
- Clean mats = gym’s responsibility (demand it!)
- Your health = your responsibility
Hygiene isn’t optional. It’s respect.
- Respect for yourself (health protection)
- Respect for training partners (don’t infect them)
- Respect for the art (keep BJJ safe for everyone)
Train clean. Stay healthy. Roll forever. 🧼🥋
Related resources:
- BJJ Benefits – Health optimization
- Is BJJ Hard? – Reality expectations
- Competition Prep – Stay healthy for tournaments
- Where to Buy Gis – Own multiple (hygiene essential)
Stay clean. Stay safe. OSS! 🙏💪🧼
Sources
Medical Research: Sports medicine journals, dermatology studies
BJJ Community: Jiu Jitsu Blog, Submission Shark, Gold BJJ
Hygiene Experts: Matguard USA, MA Supplies
Last Updated: January 16, 2026