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Ringworm

Can’t grapple because of ringworm? Our powerful antifungals will get your skin healthy again

A range of antifunal creams for local fast action.

Discounts for all grapplers, wrestlers and BJJ practitioners….because we know you’ll get this infection…a lot.

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What you should know about ringworm treatments

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, or nails. It’s caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. You can get ringworm through direct contact with an infected person or animal or by touching contaminated objects like towels, clothing, or surfaces.

Ringworm typically appears as a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash with a raised edge. The center of the ring may be clear, giving it a distinct “ring” appearance. The rash can be itchy and may grow in size over time.

Yes, ringworm is highly contagious. It can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal or by touching contaminated objects like clothing, towels, or surfaces.

Most cases of ringworm can be treated at home with over-the-counter antifungal creams, lotions, or powders. If the infection doesn’t improve after two weeks of treatment or if it spreads, you should consult a healthcare professional for further advice.

Preventing ringworm involves good hygiene practices, such as keeping your skin clean and dry, avoiding sharing personal items, wearing footwear in public areas like locker rooms and showers, and treating pets promptly if they show signs of ringworm.

If you have ringworm and participate in grappling sports like BJJ or wrestling, it’s crucial to stay off the mats until the infection is fully treated to avoid spreading it to your training partners. Use topical antifungal creams and follow a thorough hygiene routine, including showering immediately after training.

Yes, ringworm can affect the scalp (tinea capitis) and nails (tinea unguium). Scalp ringworm may cause scaly, red patches and hair loss, while nail ringworm can lead to thickened, discolored, or crumbling nails. These conditions often require prescription antifungal treatment.

You should seek medical attention if the ringworm infection doesn’t improve after two weeks of treatment, if it spreads to your scalp or nails, or if the infection is widespread or causing severe discomfort. Additionally, if the affected area becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop a fever, consult a healthcare professional immediately, as this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection.

Additional information

What is ringworm?

Guess what ringworm is not actually caused by a worm! It’s actually caused by fungi, but I guess ringfungi didn’t quite have the same ring to it as ringworm. Despite its misleading name, ringworm is a common fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, or nails. The name “ringworm” comes from the circular, ring-like appearance of the rash that often forms on the skin. This condition, also known as dermatophytosis, can occur in both humans and animals and is highly contagious. While ringworm is usually not serious, it can be irritating and uncomfortable if left untreated.

What causes ringworm?

Ringworm is caused by a type of fungi known as dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. These fungi live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. The infection can spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or by touching contaminated objects like towels, clothing, and surfaces. Humid environments, poor hygiene, and sharing personal items increase the risk of developing ringworm.

What are the symptoms of ringworm?

The most recognizable symptom of ringworm is a red, scaly, ring-shaped rash with a raised edge that often forms on the body. The rash can be itchy and may grow in size over time. Other symptoms can include:

  • Scalp ringworm (Tinea Capitis): Scaly, red patches on the scalp that may cause hair to fall out in patches.
  • Body ringworm (Tinea Corporis): Red, circular patches on the skin, usually on the arms, legs, or torso.
  • Jock itch (Tinea Cruris): Red, itchy rash in the groin area, inner thighs, or buttocks.
  • Athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis): Itchy, peeling, or cracking skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
  • Nail ringworm (Tinea Unguium): Thickened, discoloured, or crumbling nails, often on the toenails.

How to treat ringworm

Ringworm is typically treated with antifungal medications, which can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. Common treatments include antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied directly to the affected area. For more severe infections, oral antifungal medications may be necessary.

  • Clotrimazole: An antifungal cream applied to the affected area two to three times daily.
  • Terbinafine: Available as a cream or spray, applied once or twice daily.
  • Miconazole: Another effective antifungal cream, typically used twice daily.

If your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further advice.

How to prevent ringworm

Preventing ringworm involves maintaining good hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

  • Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry: Fungi thrive in moist environments, so it’s important to keep your skin dry, especially in areas prone to sweating.
  • Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, clothing, hairbrushes, or sports equipment with others.
  • Wear Footwear in Public Areas: Always wear sandals or shoes in communal showers, locker rooms, and pool areas to prevent athlete’s foot.
  • Change Clothes Regularly: Especially after sweating or participating in sports, change into clean, dry clothes.
  • Treat Pets Promptly: If you notice signs of ringworm in your pets, seek veterinary care immediately to prevent the spread of infection.

When to seek medical attention

While ringworm can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are times when it’s important to seek medical advice:

  • Severe or Persistent Symptoms: If the rash is spreading, worsening, or not improving after two weeks of treatment.
  • Scalp Involvement: Scalp ringworm often requires prescription oral antifungal medication.
  • Multiple Areas Affected: If the infection is widespread or affects multiple areas of the body.
  • Complications: If the area becomes increasingly red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop a fever, this may indicate a secondary bacterial infection.

Ringworm and grappling: What you need to know

If you’re into grappling sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, or MMA, you’re probably familiar with the risks of skin infections. One of the most common culprits is ringworm, the fungal infection that can easily spread in close-contact sports.

In sports like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or wrestling, where close physical contact is unavoidable, the risk of spreading ringworm is high. The fungus can transfer through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated mats, gear, or even shared towels. Since grappling often involves full-body contact and sweating, the conditions are ideal for ringworm to thrive.

To prevent ringworm in a grappling environment:

  • Shower Immediately After Training: Always shower with antifungal soap as soon as possible after training to wash away any potential fungal spores.
  • Wear Clean Gear: Make sure your gi, rash guards, and other training gear are washed thoroughly after each session. Avoid reusing gear without washing it.
  • Disinfect Mats Regularly: Ensure that training mats are cleaned and disinfected before and after each session.
  • Don’t Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing towels, soap, or any personal items that come into contact with your skin.
  • Check Your Skin Regularly: Be vigilant about inspecting your skin for any signs of ringworm or other infections.

Buy ringworm treatment online from Medical Mojo

At Medical Mojo, we offer a wide range of antifungal treatments to help you effectively manage and treat ringworm. Our online pharmacy provides convenient access to the medications you need, with fast and discreet delivery to your door. We’re proud to support the grappling community, so we offer exclusive discounts for all BJJ practitioners, wrestlers, grapplers, and MMA fighters. For larger discounts tailored for MMA and grappling gyms, please contact us directly. Browse our selection of creams, sprays, and oral treatments to find the best option for your condition. If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, our expert team is available to provide advice and guidance. Get started on your path to clear, healthy skin today with Medical Mojo.

Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


Checked By
Tahir Amin

Compounding pharmacist.


August 21, 2024
August 21, 2026

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