5 Skin infections that are prone to attack you at the gym

Exercise is indeed healthy for the body as a whole. However, this physical activity is also prone to skin infections. Especially those of you who often go to the gym. So, what skin problems are prone to occur at the gym? Come on, discuss more deeply in the following review.

Skin infections are prone to occur in the gym

The fitness center is indeed a favorite place for sports activists indoor . However, this place is a haven for microbes to breed. That means, your chances of being exposed to various types of microbes will increase, especially on the skin.

After you exercise, your body will sweat. This makes the skin dirty and damp, so that bacteria can easily stick and fungi can grow more vigorously.

A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found 25 types of bacteria that thrive in gyms. Apart from bacteria, fungi were also found to grow very well in this place. Both were found on surfaces of sports equipment, chairs, changing rooms and toilets.

Some skin infections that are particularly prone to occur in gyms include:

1. Ringworm (ringworm)

Ringworm or known as ringworm is a tinea fungal infection that develops in the outermost layer of the skin. This skin disease occurs in various parts of your body, but is very common in the soles of the feet and scalp.

This fungus sticks to exercise equipment, floors, and chairs so it can stick to your skin easily. Yeast exposure can also result from skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

After contracting it, usually the fungus will cause the skin area to become scaly, reddish, and itchy. If you look closely, the outside of the infected skin will create a line that forms a ring. The symptoms of ringworm are annoying, fortunately this can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal drugs that are easily found in pharmacies or drugstores.

2. Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection that occurs in the follicles (pores of the skin). Although most commonly caused by bacteria, it can also be caused by mold or blocked sweat ducts. Initially, a small, red pimple-like bump will appear around the follicle.

The small lumps are very itchy and sometimes painful. If you scratch it, the boils can break and the liquid will spread out and create new boils, which will increase in number.

When you exercise, your skin will rub against the rest of your skin or with tight sports clothing. This can damage the follicle, causing an open wound. In the gym, bacteria and fungi will stick easily to the skin so that they can enter the damaged follicles and cause infection.

Before it spreads to other areas of the skin, you can use an over the counter drug that is sold in pharmacies, namely benzoyl peroxide. The medicinal properties can help reduce bacterial levels on the skin so that more infections can be prevented.

3. Water fleas

This disease, which is nicknamed Athlete's foot, is a fungal infection that thrives on the feet. Water fleas make between the toes red, scaly, and very itchy. Over time, the skin can peel off and turn a whitish color.

This disease attacks you, when the floor, pool area, or mat in the gym is contaminated with mold. Wet feet and exposure to fungi will make the fungus more active and cause infection.

So that the symptoms do not interfere with activity, you can use econazole cream, ketoconazole, or miconazole on the infected skin area.

4. Nail fungus

Apart from causing water fleas, the same type of fungus can also cause nail fungus infections. Once infected, your previously beautiful nails will turn yellow, thicken, and become brittle. This disease often occurs in toenails, but it can also affect your fingernails.

As with water fleas, you can get this skin infection from not using clean footwear. Mold in locker rooms, showers and swimming pools can easily stick to your feet and thrive, causing infection.

If you have water fleas, you are at an increased risk of getting mold. Moreover, if you underestimate and do not treat water fleas. To prevent nail fungus infection as well as water fleas, you can use topical antifungal drugs (creams and ointments) or anti-fungal drugs that need to be taken regularly.

5. Panu

This disease, which has the medical term tinea versicolor, damages the appearance of your skin. Usually, this skin disorder causes red, whitish patches that are oval and scaly. Panu can occur in any part of the body, from the neck, chest, back, to the face.

The presence of tinea versicolor on the skin is caused by uncontrolled fungal growth on the skin. After exercising in the gym, the body will be sweaty and dirty. Dirty skin coupled with a damp gym environment further stimulates mold growth.

To be free from tinea versicolor, you can use antifungal drugs such as selenium sulfide. The drug content is quite effective in treating tinea versicolor. It's just that it takes a long time, weeks or even months to heal.

After successful treatment, the scars of tinea versicolor will leave dark or whitish marks on the skin. During the healing process, you should avoid excessive sun exposure.

Tips for preventing skin infections at the gym

Even though the gym is a hotbed of bacteria and fungi, you can still be free from skin problems. How to? Follow a number of steps to reduce exposure and get rid of fungus or bacteria on the skin, including:

• Use footwear, both shoes during exercise and sandals after you've cleaned yourself
• Wear appropriate workout clothing, that is, absorbs sweat well and is not too tight
• Immediately clean your body after exercising and dry off properly
• Always carry spare clothes, whether underwear or outerwear. Don't forget to always provide clean towels to dry the body
• Clean your feet and dry with a tissue or towel
• Keep any wounds on your body closed