How to Prevent Staph and Ringworm in Jiu-Jitsu: Your Complete Hygiene Guide

Staph infections and ringworm are two of the most common skin issues in Jiu-Jitsu. They thrive in sweaty, close-contact environments—but both are preventable with the right habits, gear, and cleaning routine.

This guide will show you how to prevent staph and ringworm, plus introduce products trusted by athletes and gyms.

*This is not medical advice and should not be used for treatment decisions.  Consult a doctor if you have concerns about injuries or infections

What Are Staph and Ringworm?

Staph (Staphylococcus aureus)
A bacteria living on many people’s skin, causing infections when it enters through cuts or abrasions.

Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
A fungus that spreads via skin contact or contaminated surfaces. Easily caught on mats, rashguards, or shared gear.

Why BJJ is a high-risk sport:

  • Close skin-to-skin contact
  • Shared mats and gear
  • Sweat + friction = micro-cuts
  • Frequent reuse of damp clothing

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Staph and Ringworm in BJJ

1. Shower Immediately After Training

Showering within 30 minutes removes sweat, bacteria, and fungi. If you can’t shower right away, use Training Wipes to clean your skin.

2. Clean Skin Before Class

Wiping down removes dirt and bacteria, lowering your risk of staph and ringworm.  Wipes with Benz Alkonium Chloride as the active ingredient stay on the skin and continue working after drying.

3. Wash All Gear After Every Session

  • Wash rashguards, gis, and shorts every session
  • Avoid storing damp gear in bags
  • Disinfect your gym bag weekly

Our premium rashguards are moisture-wicking and have an anti-microbial treatment to reduce fungal growth.

4. Don’t Train With Open Wounds

Cover mat burns, cuts, or abrasions. If wounds can’t be fully covered, skip training.  Any break in the skin barrier is an opportunity for infections to form.

5. Keep Nails Trimmed

Short nails prevent accidental scratches that can allow bacteria and fungi to enter.

6. Don’t Share Personal Items

Avoid sharing towels, water bottles, razors, or protective gear. Ringworm spreads easily via shared items.

7. Disinfect Mats and Gear

Ringworm spores can survive days on surfaces.

  • Wipe pads and protective gear after every session
  • Use Mat Sanitizer to kill bacteria and fungi
  • Let mats dry completely

8. Take Care of Your Skin Barrier

Moisturize, hydrate, and treat irritation promptly. Healthy skin is your natural defense.

9. Recognize Early Signs

Staph: Red bumps, warm or painful skin, pus-filled lesions.
Ringworm: Circular rash, itchy spots, expanding red rings.

Stop training immediately and seek medical care if you notice symptoms.

10. Choose a Hygienic Gym

Look for:

  • Mats sanitized between classes
  • Policies on skin infections
  • A fresh, clean environment
  • Staff who enforce hygiene standards

Products That Help Prevent Staph and Ringworm in Jiu-Jitsu

We designed our three key products to support BJJ hygiene, protect your skin, and prevent infections.

1. Training Wipes — Antibacterial & Antifungal Skin Wipes

Shop Training Wipes

  • Benzalkonium Chloride anti-microbial ingredient
  • Helps remove sweat, dirt, and fungi before and after training
  • Menthol, Vitamin C, and glycerin to care for your skin
  • Ideal for high-contact areas like neck, arms, back, and legs

Perfect for:

  • Quick cleaning before class
  • Post-training wipe-down when a shower isn’t availableSEO keywords: antibacterial wipes for Jiu-Jitsu, ringworm prevention wipes, BJJ hygiene wipes.

2. Mat Sanitizer — Kills Bacteria & Fungus

Shop Mat Sanitizer

  • Formulated to kill staph and ringworm fungi
  • Safe for mats, vinyl, and foam
  • Quick-drying for between-class cleaning
  • Trusted by gyms across the countrySEO keywords: jiu jitsu mat cleaner, prevent ringworm BJJ, BJJ disinfectant spray.

3. Antimicrobial Rashguards — Skin Protection Gear

Shop Rashguards

  • Reduces friction and mat burn
  • Minimizes direct skin contact
  • Wicks sweat to reduce fungal growth
  • Tight, durable, and comfortable for heavy rollingSEO keywords: best rashguards for BJJ, antimicrobial rashguards, prevent mat burn ringworm.

Stay Safe on the Mats

Protect yourself, your teammates, and your skin with our complete hygiene system:

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