8 Ways To Stay Free from Staph Infections & RingwormWhen Training BJJ
Serious Tips You Need to Keep Skin Healthy in Jiu-jitsu!
One of the least fun converations in the world of grappling is about skincare. It is a difficult conversation to have because nobody like to admit how easily things can be transferred from grappling and other contact sports. I had a horrible experience catching staph about 4 times in 20-plus years of BJJ. I don’t want you to ever have to endure what I did, so I’m sharing this with you now. Thank me later and send this to a friend you know who rolls. This is especially needed for parents who may not understand the importance of this kind dilligence when their kids train in contact sports.
1. Shower Immediately After Training
One of the most effective ways to prevent skin infections is to shower immediately after training sessions. Sweat, bacteria, and fungi can thrive in warm, moist environments, making it essential to wash off any germs or contaminants as soon as possible. Use antibacterial soap (especailly tea tree oil based soaps) or Defense Soap (both Amazon) and thoroughly clean all areas of the body, paying special attention to skin folds, feet, and groin areas where infections can easily develop. If you rationally suspect immediate exposure to something, try adding a cup of apple cider vinegar (you won’t smell bad! LOL), Empsom salts and 2–3 drops of thyme or oregano oil once or twice a month. Sit in it for 10–15 min and then rinse it off. Be sure not to do these baths too often as it can have negative impact when done too much.
2. Keep Cuts and Abrasions Clean
During the grappling and ground work of jiu-jitsu, it’s common to sustain minor cuts and abrasions. These open wounds can serve as entry points for bacteria and fungi, potentially leading to more serious infections. Always clean and properly dress any cuts or scrapes with an antimicrobial ointment and bandages to prevent contamination.
3. Wear Clean Gear
Bacteria and fungi can linger on sweaty, unwashed gear, increasing the risk of spreading infections. Always wear clean rashguards, gis, and any other training apparel to each session. Additionally, avoid sharing personal gear, such as belts or rash guards, with other practitioners to minimize cross-contamination.
4. Disinfect Mats and Equipment
Regular cleaning and disinfection of mats and equipment are crucial for maintaining a sanitary training environment. Gym owners and instructors should ensure that mats are cleaned with an approved disinfectant solution after each class or session, and any shared equipment, such as grappling dummies or striking pads, is properly sanitized.
5. Adopt Good Personal Hygiene Habits
In addition to showering after training, practitioners should adopt good personal hygiene habits to reduce the risk of skin infections. This includes washing hands regularly, keeping nails trimmed short, and avoiding touching or scratching any suspicious skin lesions or rashes.
6. Stay Home When Infected
If you suspect you may have contracted a skin infection, it’s essential to stay home and avoid training until the condition is properly treated and cleared by a healthcare professional. Continuing to train with an active infection can spread it to others and potentially worsen your condition.
7. Seek Medical Attention
If you notice any unusual skin rashes, lesions, or infections, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring a speedy recovery.
8. Eat an anti-fungal diet while infected or as a preventative measure
Believe it or not, there are many things you can eat and drink to fight skin infections. Keep a healthy dose of green tea, chamomile tea, ginger (best to chop up raw ginger and chew the bits after steeping) lemon water, and coconut water are great to help fight fungus from the inside. Also, consider mixing a shot of apple cider vinegar 2x a day with pom juice. It really helps smother out the spreat of fungus from within.
For foods, consider any cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, and caulifower regularly to help fight the spread of fungus. For serious cases (and look into it yourself), purchase diatomaceous earth (food grade only!). Mix the poweder into milk or a milk substitute for a powerful anti-fungal cleansing. Also look into lauricidin supplements. It is imperative that you consult a Dr. before doing anything suggested above. I am not a Dr. However, I have used and cleared my body of serious outbreaks for many years by following these methods.
Adisa Banjoko Interviewed by 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Founder Eddie Bravo!
By implementing these preventive measures, jiu-jitsu practitioners can minimize the risks of skin infections and maintain a healthy, safe training environment. Remember, good hygiene practices not only protect you but also show respect and consideration for your training partners and the jiu-jitsu community as a whole.
Adisa Banjoko is a BJJ black belt and teacher of stoic philosophy (he also runs a men’s mental health online group) . He is also the founder of 64 Blocks which fuses jiu-jitsu, meditation and chess to help teens and young adults thrive. Adisa has spoken at Harvard, Stanford, Oberlin, University of Connecticut and SF State on martial arts history and culture.
