BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEFENSE SOAP

IUITSU
HYGIENE GUIDE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY DEFENSE SOAP
&
ON THE SCIENCE BEHIND
Magazine
SKIN PROTECTION IN BJ J
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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
At one point or another, we’ve all had Ringworm or some other sort of skin infection
during our training careers. Jiu-jitsu gives
the term ‘contact sport’ a new meaning,
and with all of the contact comes some
very real risks, ones that can be serious but
are avoidable.
We wanted to publish a special issue about
skin protection in jiu-jitsu, and so we partnered with the folks at Defense Soap to
create it. Who better to explain to us all
about the science behind training-related
skin infections than the people who provide
the very solution (or at least preventative
measure) to the problem?
Much of the information you’re about to
dive into here in this special issue may be
rather technical, but the take-aways are
what matter most. And so we urge you not
Photo by Nathan Wallner
only to look at the unsightly images of the
various skin infections, but to stare at them and burn them into your memory. Perhaps they will serve as a reminder each time you leave the gym.
Your skin health is not only important for your own well-being, it will keep you on the mats and ready for competition season. More importantly, skin health in jiu-jitsu is a team effort; it only takes one single infection to cause an
outbreak in your academy, and you don’t want to be the one to send your whole team on sabbatical!
As they say, ‘knowledge is power’; once you’ve gained an understanding of the causes, symptoms and prevention, you’ll see how easy it is to minimize your risk and stay clean both on and off the mats.
Happy training,
Dave Menceles, Publisher
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A GLOSSARY OF INFECTIONS
RINGWORM
Fungal infection characterized by itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and
ooze. These patches often have sharply-defined edges. They are often more red around
the outside with normal skin tone in the center, which may create the appearance of a
ring. Bald patches may appear when your scalp or beard is infected.
IMPETIGO
Bacterial infection characterized by skin lesions on the face or lips, or on the arms or
legs, spreading to other areas. Typically these lesions begin as clusters of tiny blisters
which burst, followed by oozing and the formation of a thick honey- or brown-colored
crust that is firmly stuck to the skin. Scratching an itchy blister may cause it to spread
to other areas. In infants, Impetigo appears as a single blister, or possibly multiple blisters, filled with pus and easy to pop. When broken, they leave a reddish raw-looking
base. Lymphadenopathy - swollen local lymph nodes near the infection - may occur.
MRSA
Highly resistant bacterial infection characterized by skin abscesses, drainage of pus
or other fluids from the site, and fever. Warmth is common around the infected area.
HERPES
Viral infection characterized by skin lesions or rash around the lips, mouth, and gums.
Small blisters (vesicles) form, filled with clear yellowish fluid, on a raised, red, painful
skin area. These blisters then, break, and ooze Yellow crusts that slough to reveal pink,
healing skin. Often, several smaller blisters merge to form a larger blister.
SCABIES
Microscopic parasites burrowed underneath the skin, causing itching, especially at
night.
MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM
Viral infection characterized by small (2 - 5 millimeter diameter), painless lesions, often with a dimple in center. Initially, the lesions are firm, flesh-colored, pearl-like and
dome-shaped. Later they become softer, gray, and may drain their central cores of white,
cheesy or waxy material. Common locations on the body include: genitals, abdomen and
inner thighs.
Photo credit:
Visuals Unlimited
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A BIT OF BACKGROUND
The most important step we can take
toward preventing and curing skin infections is to educate ourselves. Once we
are properly educated we can begin to
lay a solid foundation, brick by brick, for
healthy, infection-tolerant skin.
Skin infections originate from three possible sources:
1.Fungus (most common is Tinea)
Causes Ringworm, jock itch, athlete’s
foot, and infected nails
2.Bacteria
Causes staph, impetigo and MRSA
3.Viruses
Causes Herpes and warts
NORMAL SKIN FLORA
Normal skin flora is made up of the bacteria that normally live on the skin when the
skin is healthy. These bacteria, which are
in fact harmless, actually prevent other harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi from growing on the skin. These helpful
bacteria are disturbed by over-washing with antibacterial soaps and the use of antibiotics.
Photo by Nathan Wallner
EDUCATION IS THE KEY
Understanding the balance between normal skin flora and good hygiene has puzzled jiu-jitsu athletes for as long as we’ve
been rolling. A false sense of security is placed upon the notion that simply training on clean mats will protect us from
skin infections.
THE SOAP ISSUE
By using soap that is strictly antibacterial, jiu-jitsu practitioners actually create an environment more suitable for
fungus to thrive in. The purpose of antibacterial soap is to kill bacteria on our skin that can cause bacterial infections.
Unfortunately as jiu-jitsu athletes, we are placed into environments where we are commonly exposed to viral and fungal infections as well. Furthermore, antibacterial soaps commonly use Triclosan as their active ingredient. Triclosan
is an FDA approved pesticide that some studies show is actually absorbed through our skin.
IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND
Our normal skin flora acts as a protective barrier as long as the proper balance is maintained. The normal flora influences the anatomy, physiology, susceptibility to pathogens, and morbidity of the host. Skin regions are often compared to
geographic regions of earth: the desert of the forearm, the cool woods of the scalp, and the tropical forest of the armpit. The composition of the dermal micro flora varies from region to region and from site to site according to the character
of the microenvironment. A different bacterial flora characterizes each of three regions of your skin: (1) axilla, perineum,
and toe webs; (2) hand, face and trunk; and (3) upper arms and legs. Skin sites with partial occlusion (axilla, perineum,
and toe webs) harbor more microorganisms than do less occluded areas (legs, arms, and trunk). Bacterial infections
may incur when bacteria from one environment, or from someone else’s normal flora, are introduced into a foreign
environment. Susceptibility increases where there is a break in the skin (ie. scratches, mat burns, skin blemishes).
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HYGIENE
As coaches, competitors and casual practitioners we all know that we have to clean ourselves after training. When
training for competition season, many of us shower as much as three times in a day, and most of us use some variety
of over-the-counter antibacterial soap.
THIS IS WHERE THE DILEMMA LIES.
If we don’t practice proper hygiene, we will become susceptible to bacterial infections. However, continuous bathing with antibacterial soap will weaken and disturb our normal skin flora.
THE BACTERIA THAT COMPRISE THE NORMAL FLORA ARE:
- Staphylococcus epidermis– found on the skin surface
- Micrococci
- Propionibacteria
-Anaerobic diphtheroids – located deep in hair follicles
-Corynebacteria (diphtheroids)
These bacteria are found throughout the different environments on the body. They compete for space in these environments as a matter of their own survival. They will devour most foreign pathogens including “Tinea” which is better known
as “Ringworm”.
“CATCH 22”
Through our constant effort to control bacterial skin infections we have in fact created the Ringworm epidemic we are
faced with today by disrupting the delicate balance of our normal skin flora.
MAT SANITATION
A clean training environment is crucial when attempting to battle skin infections. Although we may clean our mats often, we will never be able to fully eliminate all of the microscopic invaders that can cause infections. But the effort has
to be made in order to prevent epidemic levels of infections.
THINK OF ALL THE AREAS WE DON’T CLEAN
• Wall mats
• Belts ;)
• Ear guards
• Throwing dummies
• Our opponent or drilling partner!
• Wrist / ankle braces
• Flip flops
• Pretty much anything you’ve removed from a gym bag during training
FALSE HOPES
Don’t be fooled into believing that you are always training in a clean environment. Even with the best intentions, those
responsible for cleaning your gym can’t ever be sure that they’ve properly sanitized and disinfected absolutely everything. Remember, the things you can’t see can still hurt you.
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RINGWORM: FUNGAL INFECTION
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that can affect the scalp, the body (particularly the groin), the feet, and
the nails. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms. The name comes from the characteristic red ring that
can appear on an infected person’s skin. Ringworm is otherwise known as Tinea.
WHAT IS THE INFECTIOUS AGENT THAT CAUSES RINGWORM?
Several different fungal organisms can cause Ringworm, all of which belong to a group called “Dermatophytes”.
Different Dermatophytes affect different parts of the body and cause the various types of Ringworm:
Ringworm of the scalp
Ringworm of the body
Ringworm of the foot
(athlete’s foot)
Ringworm of the nails
WHERE IS RINGWORM FOUND?
Ringworm is widespread arross the globe. The fungus that causes Ringworm of the scalp lives in both humans
and in animals. The fungus that causes Ringworm of the body lives in humans, animals, and in soil. The fungi that
cause Ringworm of the foot and Ringworm of the nails live only in humans.
HOW DO PEOPLE GET RINGWORM?
Ringworm is spread by either direct or indirect contact. People can most easily contract Ringworm by direct skinto-skin contact with an infected person or pet. People can also get Ringworm indirectly by contact with objects or
surfaces that an infected person has touched, such as kimonos, belts, tatami mats, gym bags, shower stalls, etc.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF RINGWORM?
Ringworm of the scalp usually begins as a small pimple that becomes larger and larger, leaving scaly patches of
temporary baldness. Infected hairs become brittle and break off easily. Yellowish crusty areas sometimes develop.
Ringworm of the body shows up as a flat, round patch anywhere on the skin except for the scalp and feet. The
groin is a common area of infection. As the rash gradually expands, its center clears to produce a ring. More than
one patch might appear, and the patches can overlap. The area is sometimes itchy. Ringworm of the foot is also
called athlete’s foot. It appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes. Ringworm of the
nails causes the affected nails to become thicker, discolored, and brittle, or to become chalky and disintegrate.
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
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HOW SOON AFTER EXPOSURE DO SYMPTOMS APPEAR?
Ringworm of the scalp usually appears 10 to 14 days after contact, and Ringworm of the skin generally appears
4 to 10 days after contact. The time between exposure and symptoms is not known for the other types of Ringworm.
HOW IS RINGWORM DIAGNOSED?
A health-care provider can diagnose Ringworm by examining the site of infection and can confirm by conducting
a lab test.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR RINGWORM?
Anyone can get Ringworm. Ringworm of the scalp often strikes young children; outbreaks have been recorded in
schools, day-care centers, and infant nurseries. School athletes are at risk for Ringworm of the scalp, Ringworm
of the body, and athlete’s foot; It’s common to see outbreaks among high school wrestling teams. Children with
young pets are at increased risk for Ringworm of the body.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR RINGWORM?
Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing medicine. The medicine can be in taken in tablet or liquid form by
mouth or as a topical cream or essential oil applied directly to the affected area.
WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN RESULT FROM RINGWORM?
Lack of or adequate treatment can result in an infection that will not clear up.
IS RINGWORM AN EMERGING INFECTION?
Although health authorities do not track Ringworm, infection rates appear to be increasing steadily. Early recognition and treatment are essential in the effort to slow the spread of infection and to prevent re-infection.
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
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Tinea Corporis fungus viewed
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HOW CAN RINGWORM BE PREVENTED?
Simply put, Ringworm is difficult to prevent. The fungus is very common, and it is often contagious even before
symptoms appear.
Follow these steps to prevent infection:
• Educate your team and academy members about the risks of Ringworm
• Keep tatami mats and common-use areas such as locker rooms clean and disinfected after each use
• Ensure that you do not share clothing, towels, hairbrushes, or other personal items before or after training
If infected, you should follow these steps to keep the infection from spreading:
•
•
•
•
Complete your treatment as instructed by your medical consultant, even after symptoms disappear
Do not share your towels, clothing, or other personal items with others
Minimize close contact with others until fuly treated - this means taking time off from training!
Make sure the person that was the source of infection gets treated
IF I AM EXPOSED TO RINGWORM DOES THAT MEAN I
WILL GET IT?
Not necessarily. Ringworm is a living fungus and
needs to be healthy and have the proper environment to live. A weakened spore that is in a hostile
environment has less of a chance of survival.
IF I USE AN ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP AFTER PRACTICE
WON’T THAT PROTECT ME
FROM RINGWORM?
No. Ringworm is a fungus not a bacterium. Antibacterial soaps will help protect you from Impetigo and
MRSA, not Ringworm.
HOW ABOUT DANDRUFF SHAMPOO, WILL THAT PROTECT ME
FROM RINGWORM?
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
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Dandruff shampoo has been known to be effective
against Ringworm because there are chemicals in
the shampoo that weaken the Ringworm spores.
Like Ringworm, dandruff is caused by Dermatophytes. Therefore using a dandruff shampoo will
help in your battle with Ringworm but offers no protection from bacterial infections such as Impetigo
and MRSA.
Photo by Nathan Wallner
HOW WILL I KNOW WHICH STRAND OF RINGWORM I HAVE AND
WHICH ANTI-FUNGAL MEDICATION TO BUY?
Unless you are a microbiologist with specific equipment, you will not be able to tell which specific strand of
Ringworm you have. Buying the most effective over the counter medicine for your Ringworm is essentially a one
in four chance, as there are four distinct strains of the fungus. This is why a particular medication may work extremely well in one case, and then may take weeks to work in another.
ONCE I DON’T SEE MY RINGWORM ANYMORE IS IT GONE?
No. Don’t be fooled; it may have disappeared and might have even stopped itching, but fungus is most likely still
alive below the top layer of skin. An infected area needs to be treated for approximately three weeks after clearing up.
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IMPETIGO: BACTERIAL INFECTION
Impetigo is a skin infection caused primarily by the bacterium Streptococcus Pyogenes, also known as Group
A Beta-hemolytic Streptococci (GABS). Sometimes another bacterium, Staphylococcus Aureus, can also be
isolated from impetigo lesions.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF
IMPETIGO?
Impetigo begins as a cluster of small blisters that expand and rupture within the first 24 hours of infection.
The thin yellow fluid that drains from the ruptured blisters quickly dries forming a honey-colored crust. Impetigo develops most frequently on the legs, but may also
be found on the arms, face and trunk.
WHO GETS IMPETIGO?
The infection is most common in settings where there
is crowding or activities leading to close person-to-person contact such as in jiu-jitsu academies. Impetigo occurs most commonly during the summer and early fall.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DEVELOP
IMPETIGO FOLLOWING EXPOSURE?
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
Impetigo may develop up to 10 days after the skin becomes infected with GABS bacteria.
HOW IS IMPETIGO TREATED?
Impetigo may be treated with an oral antibiotic or by application of a topical antibiotic ointment.
HOW LONG IS A PERSON CONSIDERED INFECTIOUS?
A person with impetigo is probably no longer infectious after 24 hours of adequate antibiotic treatment. Without
treatment, a person may be infectious for several weeks.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF IMPETIGO?
Rarely, GABS may invade beyond the skin of a person with impetigo and cause more serious illnesses. Those
with impetigo may also develop post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis or scarlet fever. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis follows roughly 10 days after the onset of streptococcal infection and results in temporary kidney
malfunction or failure. However, the long-term prognosis is good. Scarlet fever is caused by a toxin produced by
certain strains of GABS and is characterized by high fever, chills, sore throat, headache, vomiting and a fine red
rash.
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Photo by Nathan Wallner
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT IMPETIGO?
Simple cleanliness and prompt attention to minor wounds will do much to prevent impetigo. Those with impetigo
or symptoms of GABS infections should seek medical care immediately, and if necessary begin antibiotic treatment as soon as possible to prevent spread to others. Individuals with impetigo should refrain from training until
at least 24 hours after beginning appropriate antibiotic therapy. Sharing of towels, clothing, and other personal
articles should be discouraged.
WILL USING AN ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP PROTECT ME FROM IMPETIGO?
Yes, antibacterial soaps are designed to protect against Impetigo, however using just an antibacterial soap alone
will not protect you from fungus, which can lead to Ringworm.
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HERPES: VIRAL INFECTION
The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) (also known as
Cold Sore, Night Fever, or Fever Blister) is a virus
that manifests itself in two common viral infections,
each marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin
or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips)
or on the genitals. The disease is contagious, particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with
present-day technology. An infection on the lips is
commonly known as a “cold sore” or “fever blister,”
though this should not be confused with a canker
sore, which appears inside the mouth and is not
caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus.
Herpes is contracted through direct skin contact
with an infected person. The virus travels through
tiny breaks in the skin or through moist areas, but
symptoms may not appear for up to a month or
more after infection. Transmission was thought to be
most common during an active outbreak - however,
in the early 1980s, it was found that the virus can
be shed from the skin in the absence of symptoms.
It is estimated that between 50% and 80% of new
HSV-2 cases are from asymptomatic viral shedding.
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
IS THERE A CURE FOR HERPES?
Unfortuntely once you are infected with the Herpes
Virus you have it for life. The virus lays dormant in
your system until it is trigged. Once triggered it will
appear on the skin. Herpes outbreaks are triggered
by many things. Most common are stress and weakness of the body’s immune system. Treating the
Herpes outbreaks is all that we can do. Most treatments are topical in nature.
Photo by Nathan Wallner
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Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
MRSA: BACTERIAL INFECTION
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
MRSA Bacteria viewed under a microscope
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a specific strain of the Staphylococcus Aureus bacterium that has developed antibiotic resistance to all penicillins,
including methicillin and other narrow-spectrum β-lactamase-resistant penicillin antibiotics. It was first discovered in the UK in 1961 and is now widespread, particularly
in the hospital setting where it is commonly termed a ‘superbug’. MRSA may also be
known as Oxacillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (ORSA) and
Multiple-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
In the US there are increasing reports of outbreaks of MRSA colonisation and infection through skin contact in gyms and academies, even among healthy populations.
MRSA causes as many as 20% of all Staphylococcus Aureus infections in geographic regions that use intravenous drugs. These out-of-hospital strains of MRSA, now
designated as Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or
CAMRSA, are not only difficult to treat but are especially virulent. CAMRSA apparently
did not evolve ‘de novo’ in the community, but represents a hybrid between MRSA
which escaped from the hospital environment and the once easily treatable community organisms. Most of the hybrid strains also acquired a virulence factor which makes
their infections invade more aggressively, resulting in deep tissue infections following
minor scrapes and cuts, and many cases of fatal pneumonia as well.
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
IS MRSA SOMETHING NEW?
MRSA in not necessarily new, however it appears to be evolve resist most of our
common medicines. You may have heard the common belief that as we use so many
antibiotics in our lives, one day we will come across an infection that is immune to
what we commonly use. Well, MRSA is that infection. MRSA is giving the medical
field troubles in trying to come up with a cure.
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ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are volatile oils that exist in plants and are generally
responsible for their characteristic scents and flavors.
WHAT IS TEA TREE OIL?
Tea tree oil is a yellow or green-tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odour. It is extracted from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca Alternifolia which is native to the Northeast coast of New South
Wales, Australia. The oil is claimed to have beneficial cosmetic and
medical properties (including antiseptic and antifungal characteristics). Note that the term “tea tree oil” is somewhat of a misnomer,
since Melaleuca Alternifolia is a paperbark rather than a tea tree (Genus Leptospermum). Tea tree oil should also not be confused with
tea oil, the sweetish seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of
the tea plant Camellia Sinensis or the tea oil plant Camellia Oleifera.
WHAT IS EUCALYPTUS OIL?
Eucalyptus oil is an organic essential oil extract derived from leaves
of the Eucalyptus tree native to Australia (Eucalyptus Globulus).
Eucalyptus oil is a traditional Aboriginal remedy used primarily as
an antiseptic to relieve coughs, colds, sore throats and other upper respiratory symptoms. There are many uses for this aromatic
essential oil, some of which include applying topically onto: sores,
cuts, scrapes, minor burns, and sunburn.
Photo by Nathan Wallner
Photo by Nathan Wallner
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THE DEFENSE SOAP LINEUP
BAR SOAP
Photo by Nathan Wallner
SHOWER GEL
BODY WIPES
BARRIER FOAM
ESSENTIAL OILS
HEALING SALVE
EQUIPMENT SPRAY
SUPER SHIELD DETERGENT
Photo by Nathan Wallner
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HYGIENE TIPS
SHOWERING
• Do not lather directly under the flow of water. Allow soap to remain on skin momentarily.
• Use a loofa (mesh sponge) but not too vigorously.
Vigorous scrubbing will cause small abrasions to the surface of the skin allowing penetration by the sources of infection.
• Wash the back of the neck and hairline thoroughly. Our hands touch everything in the gym including the
mats, our bodies, our opponent’s bodies and any
thing else you might grab or use during the course of training. When training no-gi, everything collected
by our hands is transferred directly to the back of
our opponent’s neck. Wash this area twice.
• Wear shower shoes. As mentionedm athlete’s foot is caused by the same Tinea (fungus) that causes ring
worm.
• Do not share towels. Make sure to wash towels after each use.
Photo by Nathan Wallner
• Dry off thoroughly.
• Wear loose fitting clothes post-shower to allow your skin to breath.
IN THE GYM
• When leaving the mats for water or bathroom breaks, always wear your shower shoes. But make sure never to step back onto the mats with them on.
• Wear a rashguard made of synthetic fibers. This not only provides a barrier between your skin and everything it may touch, but it also wicks the sweat away from the body, helping to keep the skin dry.
• When sitting against the wall pads in between rolls or during technique demonstrations, try not to play with the mats. We often leave our hands at our sides during this time, touching the edges of the mats along the wall. Take a look at what is in between the wall and the edge of the mat. When was the last time this area was cleaned and when was the last time your wall mats were cleaned?
• Do not train with partners who have skin infections and do not train if you yourself are infected.
• Cover and treat any trauma to the skin including, cuts, scrapes, and new tattoos (new tattoos are the product
of the skin being pierced literally thousands of times). Always apply an antibiotic ointment or healing salve before
covering for added protection. Of course most coverings will fall off during training, so you’ll simply have to re-apply in order to continue rolling.
• When leaving the room always consider yourself to be contaminated, because in fact you are. Shower
immediately and properly. If a shower is not available, use a body wipe to hold you over until you can shower.
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Having a clean mats is also a necessity but tht means more then just mopping the mats. There are many more surfaces that we come in contact with other than floor mats. Consider cleaning the following:
• Wall mats
• Belts ;)
• Ear guards
• Throwing dummies
• Our opponent or drilling partner!
• Wrist / ankle braces
• Flip flops
• Pretty much anything you’ve removed from a gym bag during training
Fungi like to live in damp and dark places. Make your room light and dry. A dehumidifier can pull moisture out of
your room.
IN THE KITCHEN
Battling skin infections is more then just topical. Diet can play a huge role in how healthy our skin is and healthy skin
is harder to infect. Here are a few dietary tips for skin care:
• Keep your blood sugars under control. Aim for blood sugars of 80 mg/dl to 120 mg/dl before meals, and 100
mg/dl to 140 mg/dl at bedtime.
• Keep your Hemoglobin A1c at 7% or less (a 3 month average blood sugar test). This prevents dry skin.
• Drink eight glasses of water a day. Of course when cutting weight we all would love to have eight glasses of
water however that’s not always an option. Applying lotion to the skin will also help to keep it moist.
• Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and small amounts of lean protein rather then sugary or fat laden
foods. Keep a balanced diet even when cutting back.
• Rest to increase your body’s resistance. You will be more suceptible to infections if you are worn down.
INFECTION CARE
Once infected, proper care is required to rid you of the infection quickly and promote healing.
• Do not touch the infection. Wash your hands immediately if you do touch an infection.
• Consult your trainer or physician with regard all possible infections. The sooner you treat an infection, the less
established it will be when you begin. The infection will therefore be easier to clear up, creating less damage to
the skin.
• Use medications completely and as recommended. The infection may still be present even though it may not be
visible.
• Use the proper medication for each infection. Using the wrong medicine my make the infection worse.
An example of this is using cortisone creams on fugal infections which help fungus grow.
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CLINICAL STUDY: RINGWORM
THE STUDIES BELOW DEMONSTRATES HOW WELL DEFENSE
SOAP’S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS WORK AGAINST RINGWORM.
Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution:
a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study.
Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS.
Department of Dermatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.
Tea tree oil has been shown to have activity against dermatophytes in vitro. We have conducted a randomized,
controlled, double-blinded study to determine the efficacy and safety of 25% and 50% tea tree oil in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis. One hundred and fifty-eight patients with tinea pedis clinically and microscopy
suggestive of a dermatophyte infection were randomized to receive either placebo, 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution. Patients applied the solution twice daily to affected areas for 4 weeks and were reviewed after 2 and 4 weeks
of treatment. There was a marked clinical response seen in 68% of the 50% tea tree oil group and 72% of the
25% tea tree oil group, compared to 39% in the placebo group. Mycological cure was assessed by culture of
skin scrapings taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The mycological cure rate was 64% in the 50%
tea tree oil group, compared to 31% in the placebo group. Four (3.8%) patients applying tea tree oil developed
moderate to severe dermatitis that improved quickly on stopping the study medication.
PMID: 12121393 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis.
Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RS.
Dermatology Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW.
Tea tree oil (an essential oil derived primarily from the Australian native Melaleuca alternifolia) has been used as a
topical antiseptic agent since the early part of this century for a wide variety of skin infections; however, to date,
the evidence for its efficacy in fungal infections is still largely anecdotal. One hundred and four patients completed
a randomized, double blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of 10% w/w tea tree oil cream compared with 1% tolnaftate and placebo creams in the treatment of tinea pedis. Significantly more tolnaftate-treated patients (85%) than
tea tree oil (30%) and placebo-treated patients (21%) showed conversion to negative culture at the end of therapy
(p < 0.001); there was no statistically significant difference between tea tree oil and placebo groups.
All three groups demonstrated improvement in clinical condition based on the four clinical parameters of scaling,
inflammation, itching and burning. The tea tree oil group (24/37) and the tolnaftate group (19/33) showed significant improvement in clinical condition when compared to the placebo group (14/34; p = 0.022 and p = 0.018
respectively). Tea tree oil cream (10% w/w) appears to reduce the symptomatology of tinea pedis as effectively
as tolnaftate 1% but is no more effective than placebo in achieving a mycological cure. This may be the basis for
the popular use of tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis.
PMID: 1303075 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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CLINICAL STUDY: RINGWORM
THE STUDY BELOW DEMONSTRATES HOW WELL DEFENSE
SOAP’S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS WORK AGAINST RINGWORM.
Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis:
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and clotrimazole.
Buck DS, Nidorf DM, Addino JG.
Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Highland Hospital, New York.
BACKGROUND. The prevalence of onychomycosis, the most frequent cause of nail disease, ranges from 2%
to 13%. Standard treatments include debridement, topical medications, and systemic therapies. This study
assesses the efficacy and tolerability of topical application of 1% clotrimazole solution compared with that of
100% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. METHODS. A double blind,
multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed at two primary care health and residency training centers
and
one private podiatrist’s office. The participants included 117 patients with distal subungual onychomycosis
proven by culture. Patients received twice-daily application of either 1% clotrimazole (CL) solution or 100%
tea tree (TT) oil for 6 months. Debridement and clinical assessment were performed at 0, 1, 3, and 6 months.
Cultures were obtained at 0 and 6 months. Each patient’s subjective assessment was also obtained 3 months
after the conclusion of therapy.
RESULTS. The baseline characteristics of the treatment groups did not differ significantly. After 6 months of
therapy, the two treatment groups were comparable based on culture cure (CL = 11%, TT = 18%) and clinical
assessment documenting partial or full resolution (CL = 61%, TT = 60%). Three months later, about one half of
each group reported continued improvement or resolution (CL = 55%; TT = 56%). CONCLUSIONS. All current
therapies have high recurrence rates. Oral therapy has the added disadvantages of high cost and potentially serious adverse effects. Topical therapy, including the two preparations presented in this paper, provides improvement in nail appearance and symptomatology. The use of a topical preparation in conjunction with debridement
is an appropriate initial treatment strategy.
PMID: 8195735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
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CLINICAL STUDY: IMPETIGO
THE STUDY BELOW DEMONSTRATES HOW WELL DEFENSE
SOAP’S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS WORK AGAINST IMPETIGO.
Herbal medicines for treatment of bacterial infections:
a review of controlled clinical trials.
Martin KW, Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road,
Exeter EX2 4NT, UK. [email protected]
OBJECTIVES: Many hundreds of plant extracts have been tested for in vitro antibacterial activity. This review
is a critical evaluation of controlled clinical trials of herbal medicines with antibacterial activity. METHODS: Four
electronic databases were searched for controlled clinical trials of antibacterial herbal medicines. Data were extracted and validated in a standardized fashion, according to predefined criteria, by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS: Seven clinical trials met our inclusion criteria. Four of these studies were randomized. Three trials of
garlic and cinnamon treatments for Helicobacter pylori infections reported no significant effect. Bacterial infections of skin were treated in four trials. Positive results were reported for an ointment containing tealeaf extract in
impetigo contagiosa infections. Two trials of tea tree oil preparations used for acne and methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus, and one trial of Ocimum gratissimum oil for acne, reported results equivalent to conventional treatments.
CONCLUSIONS: Few controlled clinical trials have been published and most are methodologically weak. The
clinical efficacy of none of the herbal medicines has so far been demonstrated beyond doubt. This area seems to
merit further study through rigorous clinical trials.
PMID: 12562687 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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CLINICAL STUDY: HERPES
THE STUDY BELOW DEMONSTRATES HOW WELL DEFENSE
SOAP’S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS WORK AGAINST HERPES VIRUS.
Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes
simplex virus in cell culture.
Schnitzler P, Schon K, Reichling J.
Department of Virology, Hygiene Institute, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
The antiviral effect of Australian tea tree oil (TTO) and eucalyptus oil (EUO) against herpes simplex virus was examined. Cytotoxicity of TTO and EUO was evaluated in a standard neutral red dye uptake assay. Toxicity of TTO
and EUO was moderate for RC-37 cells and approached 50% (TC50) at concentrations of 0.006% and 0.03%,
respectively. Antiviral activity of TTO and EUO against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was tested in vitro on RC-37 cells using a plaque reduction assay. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TTO for herpes simplex virus plaque formation was 0.0009% and 0.0008% and the IC50 of EUO
was determined at 0.009% and 0.008% for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Australian tea tree oil exhibited high
levels of virucidal activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in viral suspension tests. At noncytotoxic concentrations
of TTO plaque formation was reduced by 98.2% and 93.0% for HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively. Noncytotoxic
concentrations of EUO reduced virus titers by 57.9% for HSV-1 and 75.4% for HSV-2. Virus titers were reduced
significantly with TTO, whereas EUO exhibited distinct but less antiviral activity. In order to determine the mode
of antiviral action of both essential oils, either cell were pretreated before viral infection or viruses were incubated
with TTO or EUO before infection, during adsorption or after penetration into the host cells. Plaque formation
was clearly reduced, when herpes simplex virus was pretreated with the essential oils prior to adsorption. These
results indicate that TTO and EUO affect the virus before or during adsorption, but not after penetration into the
host cell. Thus TTO and EUO are capable to exert a direct antiviral effect on HSV. Although the active antiherpes
components of Australian tea tree and eucalyptus oil are not yet known, their possible application as antiviral
agents in recurrent herpes infection is promising.
PMID: 11338678 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Photo credit: Visuals Unlimited
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CLINICAL STUDY: MRSA
THE STUDIES BELOW DEMONSTRATES HOW WELL DEFENSE
SOAP’S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS WORK AGAINST MRSA.
Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plantderived
antiseptic.
Sherry E, Boeck H, Warnke PH.
OR Design Unit, University of Sydney, Nepean Hospital, PO Box 63, Penrith, NSW 2750, Australia.
[email protected]
BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and
vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE, are an increasing problem world-wide, causing intractable wound infections. Complex phytochemical extracts such as tea tree oil and eucalypt-derived formulations have been
shown to have strong bactericidal activity against MRSA in vitro. Polytoxinol (PT) antimicrobial, is the trade name
of a range of antimicrobial preparations in solution, ointment and cream form.
METHODS: We report the first use of this drug, administered percutaneously, via calcium sulphate pellets
(Osteoset,TM), into bone, to treat an intractable MRSA infection of the lower tibia in an adult male.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Over a threemonth period his symptoms resolved with a healing response on xray and with a reduced CRP.
PMID: 11368798 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Comparison of the effects in vitro of tea tree oil and plaunotol on methicillinsusceptible and methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
Hada T, Furuse S, Matsumoto Y, Hamashima H, Masuda K, Shiojima K, Arai T, Sasatsu M.
Department of Microbiology, Showa Pharmaceutical University, Machida, Tokyo, Japan.
The effects in vitro of tea tree oil (TTO) and plaunotol were examined by monitoring the growth of a standard strain
of Staphylococcus aureus FDA 209P and of fourteen methicillin-susceptible strains of S. aureus (MSSA), together
with twenty methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and the doses for
50% inhibition of growth (ID50) were determined by the micro-broth dilution (MD) method, and the broth dilution
with shaking (BDS) method, respectively. The MIC of plaunotol for 50 and 90% of the MSSA and MRSA were assessed by the MD method, as 16 microg/ml and > or = 1,024 microg/ml, respectively. No antibacterial effects of
TTO on MSSA and MRSA were detected by the MD method. The growth-inhibitory effects of TTO on S. aureus
by the BDS method were examined, and it appeared that TTO was effective over a lower range of concentrations
than previously reported. It seems that TTO is very effective in vitro against MSSA and MRSA at high concentrations but less effective below 40 microg/ml of TTO.
PMID: 11548201 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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VISIT DEFENSE SOAP FOR MORE INFO
WWW.DEFENSESOAP.COM
Defense Soap LLC, offers its products as Natural Remedies. The FDA prohibits Defense Soap from making any
anti-fungal claims therefore we have provided you with the above research to make your own decision. If you
are not convinced with the effectiveness of a Defense Soap product, then you can return the unused portion for
a complete refund.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS OR CONCERNS CONTACT DEFENSE
SOAP AT:
Defense Soap LLC
13000 Athens Ave #350,
Lakewood OH 44107
[email protected]
or
www.defensesoap.com
Guy Sako, President
Tel: 216-255-8748
Toll free: 866-544-1689
Fax: 440-799-4331
Information provided by:
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RS,
Buck DS, Nidorf DM, Addino JG, Martin KW, Ernst E, Schnitzler P, Schon K, Reichling, Sherry E, Boeck H,
Warnke PH, Hada T, Furuse S, Matsumoto Y, Hamashima H, Masuda K, Shiojima K, Arai T, Sasatsu M.
United States National Library of Medicine
This special issue is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for
consultation with a health-care provider. If you have any questions about the conditions described here or think
that you might have a fungal infection, consult a health-care provider immediately.
REFERENCES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bitton G, Marshall KC: Adsorption of Microorganisms to Surfaces. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1980
Draser BS, Hill MJ: Human Intestinal Flora. Academic Press, London, 1974.
Freter R, Brickner J, Botney M, et al: Survival and implantation of Escherichia coli in the intestinal tract. Infect Immun 39:686, 1983
Hentges DJ, Stein AJ, Casey SW, Que JU: Protective role of intestinal flora against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice:
influence of antibiotics on colonization resistance. Infect Immun 47:118, 1985
Herthelius M, Gorbach SL, Mollby R, et al: Elimination of vaginal colonization with Escherichia coli by administration of indigenous
flora. Infect Immun 57:2447, 1989
Maibach H, Aly R: Skin Microbiology: Relevance to Clinical Infection. Springer-Verlag, New York, 1981
Marples MJ: Life in the skin. Sci Am 220:108, 1969
Savage DC: Microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract. Annu Rev Microbiol 31:107, 1977
Tannock GW: Normal Microflora. Chapman and Hall,London, UK, 1995
This special magazine issue, the “Jiu-Jitsu Hygiene Guide”, has been published as an educational and promotional collaboration project between Defense Soap LLC and Jits Inc. All written content in this special issue,
except for the Letter from the Publisher, was provided by Defense Soap LLC. Images were provided by Defense
Soap LLC (photography by Nathan Wallner) and by Visuals Unlimited.
Jits Inc., along with any and all of it’s administrators, directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, sponsors, and advertisers, assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the information and/or statements in
this document.
Although this publication may provide health-related information, it makes no claims, and it is your responsibility
as the reader, to determine the validity of any and all information and/or statements in this document.
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