Ringworm in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: What Every Athlete Should Know

By Dr. Claudia Martins, Dermatologist & BJJ Practitioner | @draclaudiamartinsmtl

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm. It is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin that thrives in warm, moist environments and spreads easily through direct skin-to-skin contact and contaminated surfaces. Because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves close physical contact and shared mats, ringworm is one of the most common skin infections seen in grappling sports.

Why Is Ringworm So Common in Jiu-Jitsu?

During training, athletes are in constant contact with:

• Training partners
• Mats
• Shared equipment
• Sweat and friction

Even tiny abrasions or mat burns can allow fungi to enter the skin more easily. An athlete may unknowingly spread the infection before realizing they have it.

What Does Ringworm Look Like?

The classic lesion is:

• Round or oval in shape
• Red and scaly
• Slightly raised at the border
• Often itchy
• Expands outward over time, creating a “ring-like” appearance

However, ringworm does not always present as a perfect ring. It may appear as:

• Dry patches
• Small red plaques
• Areas of scaling
• Multiple lesions on the arms, neck, trunk, or legs

Because appearances can vary, any suspicious rash should be evaluated.

Why Early Recognition Matters

A single untreated lesion can:

• Spread to other areas of the body
• Infect training partners
• Lead to outbreaks within an academy

Many athletes attempt to “train through it” or cover it with tape. Unfortunately, covering an active fungal infection does not eliminate the risk of transmission.

Prevention: The Best Treatment

Good prevention strategies include:

• Showering immediately after training
• Washing gis, rash guards, and towels after every use
• Wearing clean training gear
• Avoiding sharing personal items
• Ensuring mats are cleaned regularly
• Checking your skin routinely for new lesions

When Should You Stop Training?

If you notice:

• A new circular rash
• A growing scaly patch
• Persistent itching
• A lesion that resembles ringworm

You should avoid training until the diagnosis is confirmed and treatment has begun.

This protects both your health and your teammates.

Treatment

Most cases respond well to antifungal medications prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional. Treatment should be started promptly and continued as directed, even if the lesion appears improved.

Returning to training too early can lead to recurrence and further spread.

A Message to the Jiu-Jitsu Community

Ringworm is not a sign of poor hygiene or lack of cleanliness. It is an occupational hazard of close-contact sports. The key is not embarrassment or blame — it is awareness, early recognition, responsible reporting, and appropriate treatment.

A strong academy culture encourages athletes to speak up about skin concerns, seek treatment promptly, and prioritize the health of the entire team. Protecting your training partners is as important as protecting yourself.

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