Those of you who have been training MMA, Wrestling, or Jiu-Jitsu, will already be aware of the potential fungal infections you can get from training. Wearing proper breathable equipment like a rashguard and spats under your shorts may decrease the chance of getting an infection. But it’s better to always have antibacterial and antifungal soap nearby to protect yourself from possible infections.
Before we dive into the best antifungal soaps and body washes on the market, here’s my top 3:
- Art of Sport-Activated Charcoal Soap
- Truremedy Naturals Store Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
- Hibiclens Antimicrobial/ Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
The Best Antifungal Soaps On The Market
Defense Soap 4 Ounce Bar
The Defense Soap bar is ideal for grapplers that are looking for something they can use every day. Its main ingredients are tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil that help provide a wide variety of benefits. The ingredients will help wash away any bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
The superior rinsing action of the soap ensures that it’s ideal for cleaning the skin and efficiently removing any dirt or grime. It helps restore the natural barrier of the skin and regulates the production of sebum.
Defense Soap ensures that the bar of soap is completely hypoallergenic and safe. It’s one of the best bars of soap for anyone that has sensitive skin.
Pros
- Contains tea tree oil and eucalyptus
- Is great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Doesn’t have a strong scent
Art of Sport-Activated Charcoal Soap
Some people seem to have an issue with their personal hygiene. When it comes to BJJ, that’s a big mistake. My personal choice and among the best antifungal soaps on the market.
I started using this product on the recommendation from a long-time training partner who swore that it’s one of the best antifungal soap for ringworm. It’s made from natural botanicals that include deep-cleansing activated charcoal, moisturizing shea butter, and tea tree oil.
Its performance-driven formula will help ensure that your skin feels recharged and fresh after an intense training session. Not only will this soap help you feel squeaky clean and fresh, but it’s also got a great scent that’s infused with cedar and vanilla!
Pros
- Activated charcoal helps eliminate dust and other bacteria
- Moisturizes the skin
- Lovely scent
Cons
- Runs out quickly
Blue Steel Sports BODY Soap with Tea Tree and Eucalyptus
Blue Steel Sports soap is an excellent option for anyone looking to get one of the best antifungal soaps for ringworm. Thanks to the presence of natural rooibos tea leaves, the soap will gently exfoliate your skin every time you use the soap.
It’s great to help clear acne and minor skin rashes. If you’re suffering from any type of ringworm, this is one of the best antifungal soap for jock itch. The all-natural formula is triple-milled, and a single bar of soap will last you a very long time.
Every time you use this all-natural soap, you’ll feel refreshed and will end up smelling great. The bar of soap will leave you feeling invigorated and super clean.
Pros
- Contains exfoliating tea leaves
- Great for battling ringworm
Cons
- Doesn’t lather up a lot
Solpri Shield Antifungal Soap Bar Lemongrass Tea Tree Eucalyptus
The Solpri Shield antifungal bar is easily among the best soap for wrestlers. It contains a blend of five essential oils that work together to ensure that you’re as clean as possible after a workout.
It’s completely free of all potential chemicals and dyes you’d find in a typical bar of soap and is excellent for sensitive skin. The company also provides a 30 day 100% satisfaction guarantee. That means they will refund your purchase for any bar of soap that proves to be unsatisfactory.
Pros
- Fresh scent
- Free of Triclosan, Triclocarban, Sulphates, Parabens, Detergents, Dyes, and Fragrances
Cons
- It’s a soft bar, must be kept in a dry area
Best Antifungal Body Wash On The Market
Hibiclens Antimicrobial/ Antiseptic Skin Cleanser
One of the best antifungal body wash on the market is the Hibiclens antiseptic skin cleanser. Users might be put off by the bottle’s medical nature, but it’s ideal for cleaning the skin and is incredibly gentle. It’s commonly used in hospitals thanks to the antiseptic cleaning properties.
Getting this product is the best line of defense against any potential BJJ infections. It’s made by a world-leading medical product company that aims to provide the highest quality ingredients.
Pros
- Antiseptic and antimicrobial
- Recommended by doctors
Cons
- Doesn’t have a great scent
Natural Riches Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Another option for the best antifungal body wash is the Natural Riches tea tree oil body wash. It contains tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, argan oil, organic jojoba oil, rosemary oil, and shea butter.
The products are made in the USA and use vegan ingredients. It completely soothes an itchy or dry skin. Every time you use the body wash, you’ll also experience an incredibly refreshing scent.
Pros
- Combination of organic oils: argan oil, organic jojoba oil, rosemary oil, and shea butter
- Fresh scent
- ZERO sulfates, parabens, or harmful chemicals
Cons
- The medicinal scent might be too strong for some
Botanic Heart Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
The Botanic Heart organic body watch is made from completely organic compounds. They use high-quality materials and sustainable plant extracts. It doesn’t contain any fragrances or potential synthetics.
It offers a complete guarantee for cleanliness and will work ideally after every single session. The body wash is excellent for helping deal with any potential infections.
Pros
- Contains high quality, ethically and sustainably sourced plant extracts, botanicals, and essential oils
- Has no added fragrances or synthetics
Cons
- Small bottle, make sure to buy more than one.
Truremedy Naturals Store Remedy Soap Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Cleansing is one of the most essential features that one needs to pay attention to while buying a body wash. Truremedy provides one of the best natural oil body washes on the market.
The completely organic ingredients are a combination of several different oils that combine to provide a great scent. It completely soothes all dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Its stellar cleaning ability will help ensure that you clean efficiently after every session.
Pros
- Soothes dry, itchy, cracked and flaky skin because of the added omega fats and aloe vera
- Works for fungal and bacterial infections
- Has a cooling, refreshing feeling on the skin.
Cons
- Mint can irritate the eyes
- Pricier than others
Antifungal Tea Tree Oil Body Wash
Purely Northwest Store antifungal tea tree oil body wash is an excellent option for all athletes looking for a refreshing shower after training. It features completely organic materials that help ensure that the body wash cleans as much bacteria as possible.
The natural ingredients present in the body wash will help ensure that the body wash is ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Incredibly refreshing
- 100% organic ingredients (7 essential oils)
- Addresses body acne and an itchy scalp
Cons
- Smallest bottle
Why Do You Need An Antifungal Soap Or Body Wash?
When you train MMA, wrestling, or BJJ, most of the time, your training is going to be full-contact. During full-contact training, you’re going to get up close and personal with a training partner.
There’s a definite chance that you’re going to exchange sweat, a lot of it. The constant contact means that you run the risk of getting an infection. Here are some of the most common types of infections associated with BJJ:
Ringworm
A type of fungal infection that one can contract almost anywhere on the body. When you contract ringworm on the feet, it’s known as athlete’s foot, while on the groin area, it’s known as a jock itch. The name might seem misleading, but there’s no actual worm involved in the infection.
Herpes Simplex
A viral infection that falls into two different categories: Type I and II. MMA practitioners have to worry about Type I herpes. The condition can hit any part of the body and is highly contagious.
Users can suffer from infection through the skin to skin contact with the infected area, or if the Herpes virus is present on mats and other equipment.
Staph/MRSA
Staph is the most problematic type of infection that BJJ practitioners need to worry about. The infection can enter the body through an open wound or hair follicles, but there are cases of it causing an infection without a break in the skin.
In a severe circumstance, the infection will find its way into the bloodstream and potentially cause other diseases. Staph spreads through skin-to-skin contact or could occur because of unclean facilities or equipment.
The Importance Of Antifungal Soap
Wrestling soaps are crucial because there’s no better way to prevent these types of skin infections besides good hygiene. According to experts, there’s no better substitute for antifungal soap for athletes after a tough training session.
All antifungal soaps usually contain tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is known as a beneficial essential oil and natural extract. It has been shown to provide many skin-related benefits, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help you deal with cuts, scratches, and bumps.
In public areas, you’re much better off using one of the best antifungal body washes. Soaps that are used in public areas are at a significantly higher risk of suffering from potential bacteria.
FAQ
Can antifungal soap cure my fungal infection?
Antifungal soap is available in different formats with different ingredients and is capable of battling any fungal infection known to athletes.
I do recommend seeking the advice of a doctor first!
Is antifungal soap safe for children?
It’s entirely safe for children to use.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t use antifungal soap?
There isn’t enough research on the negative effects of antifungal soap. It’s best to avoid if you’re pregnant.
Does normal soap kill jock itch fungus?
Ordinary soap can play a role in the prevention of a potential infection, but it can’t cure a current fungus. We, therefore, recommend using one of the soaps listed above.
How much time does it take to cure a fungal infection?
Depending on the severity of the infection, it might take a few weeks to completely cure an infection.
References:
- https://bjjplymouth.co.uk/avoiding-skin-infections-in-bjj/
- https://www.grapplearts.com/the-care-and-treatment-of-ringworm/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/bjj/comments/1z18ns/people_who_have_full_on_athletes_foot_how_to_deal/cfq13w9/
- https://medium.com/@lucas.r.walker/hygiene-in-the-jiu-jitsu-academy-101-567b1d149fd1
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jock-itch/symptoms-causes/syc-20353807
