Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that requires close physical contact between practitioners, which increases the risk of skin infections such as ringworm. Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing equipment and personal items such as towels, clothing, and mats.

In this article, we will discuss what ringworm is, how to recognize it, and how to prevent and treat it.

What is Ringworm? Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair, and nails. The name "ringworm" is misleading, as the infection is not caused by a worm but by a fungus called dermatophyte. Ringworm can appear as a red, circular rash with a raised edge and clear center. It may also cause itching, scaling, and crusting.

Have you ever wondered how ringworm spreads?

Ringworm is highly contagious and can be transmitted through different ways. Do you know what these ways are? You can get ringworm by having direct or indirect contact with an infected person or animal. This is especially common in places where people engage in close contact activities, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) gyms. 

Bottom line is…

Did you know that sharing towels, clothing, or mats, or having skin-to-skin contact during sparring sessions can easily spread ringworm?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has ringworm, how can you tell for sure? Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, such as the scalp, feet, groin, and body. What are some of the common symptoms of ringworm? In general, ringworm appears as a circular rash with a raised edge and clear center. The rash may be itchy, scaly, or have a crusty appearance. But did you know that in severe cases, ringworm can even cause hair loss, blistering, or oozing?

How to Use Clear Nail Polish to Treat Ringworm

Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, scalp, and nails. It is highly contagious and can be difficult to get rid of, even with antifungal creams and medications. If you've tried everything else and still have ringworm, you might want to consider using clear nail polish as a home remedy.

Clear nail polish works by suffocating the ringworm fungus and preventing it from spreading. When applied properly, it can help speed up the healing process and relieve symptoms such as itching, burning, and redness. Here's how to use clear nail polish to treat ringworm:

1: Confirm the Diagnosis

Before you start treating your ringworm with clear nail polish, make sure you have a proper diagnosis. Ringworm can look similar to other skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or hives. You can see a doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist for an accurate diagnosis, or use a blacklight to check for the characteristic greenish glow of ringworm under ultraviolet light.

2: Get the Right Supplies

To use clear nail polish for ringworm, you'll need:

You can find most of these supplies at your local pharmacy or health food store.

3: Clean and Dry the Infected Area

Before applying the clear nail polish, make sure the infected area is clean and dry. Wash it gently with mild soap and water, and pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing or scratching the area, as this can spread the fungus and cause further irritation.

4: Apply the Clear Nail Polish

Dip a cotton swab or Q-tip into the clear nail polish, and apply a thin layer to the entire infected area. Make sure the polish covers the edges of the rash, as well as the center. If you want, you can add a drop of tea tree oil to the polish for added antifungal properties.

Be careful not to double-dip the cotton swab, as this can contaminate the polish and spread the fungus. Discard the used swab and use a fresh one for each application.

The clear nail polish may sting or burn slightly when applied, but this is normal and should subside within a few minutes. Wait for the polish to dry completely before covering the treated area with a band-aid or adhesive tape (if desired).

5: Repeat the Application

Repeat the application of the clear nail polish twice a day, or as often as needed to keep the area covered. You can remove the old polish with nail polish remover, or simply apply a fresh layer over the existing one. Continue the treatment for at least one week, or until the ringworm has completely disappeared.

6: Decontaminate ALL Clothes and Surfaces

To prevent the spread of ringworm spores, you should also decontaminate any clothes, towels, bedding, or surfaces that may have come in contact with the infected area. You can wash them in hot water with a disinfectant detergent, or spray them with a bleach solution (1:10 dilution) and let them air dry.

7: Monitor the Progress

As you continue the treatment with clear nail polish, monitor the progress of the ringworm rash. You should see a gradual improvement in the size, color, and texture of the rash