Skin infections in BJJ and Contact sport

October 16, 2025

The Most Common Skin Infections in BJJ and How to Prevent Them

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most rewarding martial arts — it builds discipline, strength, and mental toughness. But when you spend hours rolling on mats and training close to others, your skin can take a beating. 💪

Unfortunately, skin infections are a common issue in BJJ and other grappling sports. Here’s what you need to know to keep your skin clean, healthy, and infection-free.

🦠 1. Ringworm (Tinea)

Despite the name, ringworm isn’t caused by worms — it’s a fungal infection that appears as red, circular patches on the skin. It thrives in warm, sweaty environments like gyms and mats.

How to prevent it:

Always shower right after training.
Use antifungal soap (like Scrubmission Soap, powered by Tolnaftate 1%) to wash away fungus before it spreads.
Keep your rash guards, gi, and towels clean and dry.

🦠 2. Staph Infection

Caused by Staphylococcus bacteria, this infection can start as small red bumps and quickly become painful abscesses. If untreated, staph can become serious and require medical care.

How to prevent it:

Clean any cuts or abrasions immediately.
Never share razors, towels, or gear.
Maintain strong personal hygiene with an antibacterial soap.

🦠 3. Impetigo

This highly contagious bacterial infection often starts as blisters or sores, typically around the mouth or nose. It spreads fast through skin contact or contaminated surfaces.

How to prevent it:

Avoid training if you have open wounds.
Wash your hands and face after every roll.
Keep your skin clean and protected with antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil and eucalyptus.

🦠 4. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Common among barefoot athletes, this fungal infection causes itching, redness, and peeling between the toes.

How to prevent it:

Always wear flip-flops in changing rooms and showers.
Dry your feet thoroughly after training.
Use antifungal soap with Tolnaftate 1% to protect against reinfection.

🌿 Stay Clean. Stay Confident.

You train hard — your skin deserves the same level of care. Using a natural antifungal and antibacterial soap after every session helps prevent these infections and keeps your skin healthy.

That’s why we created Scrubmission Soap — specially designed for BJJ, MMA, and grappling athletes who take hygiene seriously. It’s packed with tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus oils, plus Tolnaftate 1%, an FDA-approved antifungal ingredient proven to fight skin infections effectively.