Drug-resistant ringworm in NZ: what athletes need

A suspicious, itchy rash is never just a minor inconvenience when your sport involves skin-to-skin contact. Drug-resistant ringworm has arrived in New Zealand: what athletes need to know is simple but serious - do not train through a rash, do not self-diagnose from a photo, and do not assume every antifungal cream will sort it out.

For BJJ, No-Gi grappling, wrestling, judo and MMA athletes, one untreated skin infection can quickly become a problem for training partners, the whole class and an academy’s competition preparation. High-contact training environments demand higher hygiene standards. That means early reporting, proper assessment and disciplined routines before, during and after every session.

What drug-resistant ringworm means for NZ athletes

Ringworm is not a worm. It is a fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails, also called tinea. On the body, it often causes a round or expanding rash with a raised, scaly edge. In combat sports, it can show up on the neck, face, arms, torso, scalp, feet or groin - anywhere exposed to direct contact, sweat and shared surfaces.

The concern is a strain of dermatophyte fungus that can be harder to clear with standard antifungal medicines. Internationally, Trichophyton indotineae has drawn attention because some infections have not responded to commonly used topical or oral treatments. Its identification in New Zealand is a reminder that persistent rashes need proper clinical attention, especially when an athlete has already tried treatment without improvement.

This does not mean every case of ringworm will be drug-resistant. Most rashes also are not ringworm. Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, bacterial infections and mat burns can look similar at first. But a rash that is spreading, unusually inflamed, recurring or not settling should not be managed with guesswork.

Why grapplers and fighters are exposed more often

Ringworm spreads through direct skin contact and can also move via contaminated items or surfaces. Think about a packed evening class: sweaty bodies rotating through rounds, forearms pressed into faces, shared crash mats, gloves on and off, then athletes rushing home without a shower. That is an efficient environment for fungi to move if hygiene slips.

The risk is not about being dirty. It is about exposure, friction, moisture and tiny breaks in the skin barrier. Mat burn, shaving irritation, scratches and eczema-prone skin can all create easier entry points. Heat and sweat then create conditions fungi enjoy.

Common mistakes make the situation worse. Athletes cover a suspicious rash and keep rolling. Parents assume a rash is heat rash and send a child to class. Coaches wait until several people are affected before reviewing cleaning and exclusion rules. Others use steroid cream on an undiagnosed rash, which can alter its appearance and allow a fungal infection to spread more widely.

Preparation matters here. A clean academy and a reliable post-training routine are not overcautious rituals. They are part of staying available for training.

Signs that should take you off the mat

A classic ringworm lesion may be circular, red or darker than surrounding skin, scaly and itchy, with clearer skin in the middle. Real life is messier. It may start as a small dry patch, look irregular rather than round, or become irritated from friction and sweat.

Stop close-contact training and organise a medical assessment if you have a new unexplained rash that is expanding, scaly, itchy or painful. Do the same if a rash is on the scalp or beard area, if there are multiple patches, if it keeps returning, or if it has not improved as expected after treatment advised by a clinician.

Tell the clinician you train in a contact sport and mention any recent overseas travel, close contacts with similar rashes, prior antifungal use and whether the area has spread despite treatment. Those details can guide testing and treatment decisions. If drug resistance is suspected, laboratory testing may be needed to identify the fungus and help select an effective plan.

Do not share towels, rash guards, headgear, gloves, clippers, bedding or clothing while you are being assessed. Wash items that have touched the affected area, and follow the return-to-training advice from your clinician and your sport or academy policy. Being honest early is far better than quietly passing a rash through the room.

Drug-resistant ringworm in New Zealand: the academy response

Academy owners and coaches do not need to create panic. They do need a clear system that athletes can follow without embarrassment.

Start with a visible rule: athletes with a suspicious skin lesion must tell a coach and sit out of skin-contact training until assessed. Normalise it from day one. The culture should be, “Good call for speaking up,” not, “You are letting the team down.” That protects the room and makes early reporting more likely.

Mats should be cleaned after every session using a product and process suitable for the surface, with enough contact time to work. High-touch areas deserve the same attention: changing-room benches, bathroom handles, loaner gear, wall pads and shared protective equipment. Cleaning only what looks visibly dirty is not enough.

Athletes should arrive in clean training gear and leave in clean clothes. Used rash guards, gis, shorts and towels should not live in the boot of the car for two days. Wash them after every session, dry them fully, and avoid sharing personal kit. Academy loaner gear needs a defined cleaning process between users, not a hopeful spray at the end of the week.

Build a routine that supports skin health

The best routine is the one you can repeat after hard rounds, late classes and weekend competitions. Shower promptly after training when possible, using warm rather than scorching water. Scrubbing aggressively can irritate the skin barrier, so cleanse thoroughly without turning every shower into a sanding session.

Combat Soap Ultimate Shield is built as an everyday post-training cleansing bar for frequent washing. Its blend of tea tree, neem, rosemary, peppermint, lavender and thyme oils sits alongside coconut, shea butter, olive oil, castor oil, aloe vera, vitamin E and beeswax to support a fresh, practical clean after training.

For hard, sweaty sessions, Charcoal Cleanse is the deeper-cleansing option, combining activated charcoal with tea tree and wild oregano oils. Use it as part of your shower routine after demanding grappling, wrestling or MMA sessions, especially when your skin has been under heavy friction, sweat and shared-mat exposure.

When you cannot shower straight after class, Combat Spray offers a convenient approximately 300 ppm hypochlorous acid hygiene option for skin and equipment around training. It is useful in the gym bag, at tournaments and during the drive home, but it should support - not replace - a proper shower, clean kit and good academy cleaning practices.

Your skin barrier also benefits from basics athletes often skip: dry fully after showering, wear breathable clean clothes, keep fingernails short and clean, cover cuts appropriately, and avoid picking at irritated spots. If frequent washing leaves your skin dry or cracked, adjust your routine and use a suitable moisturiser. Healthy skin is better equipped to handle the demands of contact sport.

Do not confuse discipline with training through it

Combat athletes are used to pushing through discomfort. A tight shoulder, sore ears or bruised ribs may be part of the job. A potentially contagious rash is different. Sitting out briefly for assessment protects your teammates, your next opponent and your own ability to train consistently.

The smart athlete does not hide a skin issue. They deal with it early, clean their gear, respect the room and return when cleared. That is what being a reliable training partner looks like.