BJJ Mat Funk

There are some kinds of funk that seem to thrive in the BJJ world. These diseases aren't unique to BJJ, they're also around in most sports locker rooms, wrestling, hospitals, etc. I recently decided to do a little research and here's what I learned.

Two of the most common diseases found in the BJJ world, a world filled with sweat, abrasions, and skin to skin contact, are staph and ringworm. Clean mats, clean gis, covering abrasions, and minimizing skin contact by using rashguards and spats can lessen the spread of these diseases. However, no matter how careful your gym and you are, eventually these guys may raise their wicked heads.

Staph Infection

Description

Staph is a contagious disease caused by a Staphylococcus bacteria. There are many Staph bacteria strains and treatment can vary depending on which one the infection is caused by. One of the scariest facts about Staph is that around 25% of us are carrying the bacteria around on our skin, in the nose or mouth, or other orifices. Think about that, next time you roll with 4 guys at the gym, chances are that one of them was carrying some Staph (this doesn't even touch on the fact that you might be in that 25% already). \

Symptoms

Staph can mask itself as less serious conditions. Many times it begins looking little a pimple or small open sore or possibly just a small area of skin that is red and warm to the touch. The area will generally continue to swell and become more painful until treated. If left untreated long enough, fever and chills may develop.

Treatment

Most forms of Staph can be quickly treated with antibiotics and allow the practitioner  back on the mats after any wound is healed and antibiotic cycle is finished. Some forms of Staph are not so simple (see below)

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

MRSA is an antibiotic resistant strain of Staph. When originally discovered, it was only resistant to Methicillin as the name implies but strains have since become resistant to other antibiotics. MRSA is less common with only about 1% of the population carrying it. However, it is particularly prevalent in the communities I named above (wrestling, bjj, team sport locker rooms, etc). Symptoms of MRSA are virtually the same as other Staph infections so a visit to the doctor should be in order as soon as signs of any possible infections are found. Treatment of MRSA is also through antibiotics, though it may be much more intensive and multiple kinds and cycles of antibiotics may be required.

Due to the gross-out factor, I've decided not to supply pictures of MRSA but if you really want to see them, you can find them here.

Ringworm

Description

Contrary to the name, Ringworm is not a worm at all, but a fungus. It gets its name from the telltale scaly, red ring that forms due to the fungus. The type of fungus will vary according to where the infection is, but they all belong to the tinea group. This is the same group responsible for athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris). Though highly contagious, ringworm is not particularly dangerous, only very annoying. It can cause itching, soreness, blisters, and even hair-loss if found on scalp or face.

Treatment

Thankfully, most cases of ringworm respond quickly to over-the-counter antifungals aimed at athlete's foot. Severe cases may require stronger antifungal creams or pills prescribed by a physician. Usually 4 weeks of consistent treatment will clear up ringworm. Some folks say you can cover it after a couple weeks of treatment and begin rolling again, but I err on the side of caution. You don't want to be the guy that gave half the gym ringworm. If you do decide to chance it, be sure to run it by your instructor, inform everyone before you roll with the, and don't get your feelings hurt if they decline.

Once again, I've decided not to supply pictures of ringworm but if you really want to see them, you can find them here.


In conclusion, nobody wants to spend time away from the mats so be proactive. The best way to treat these diseases is to not get them in the first place. Do your part: keep your gi clean (air drying and wearing the next day doesn't count) and shower as soon as possible after class. If you notice the mats being less clean than you'd like, volunteer to stay after and clean up a bit (I've actually met a couple people who train for free or at a discounted rate because they do this). Good training!