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| Avoid ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and other fungus that can come from the gym |
If you enjoy spending time at the gym, chances are you or
someone you know has been plagued with some sort of fungus. Jock itch, ringworm
and athlete’s foot are spread easily, making it important to take steps to
avoid fungus at the gym.
Jock itch causes a raised, red, itchy rash in the groin
area. The medical term for jock itch, which can affect women too, is tinea
cruris. The best way to avoid the problem is to dry off after a workout and
change into loose clothing. Jock itch and other fungi thrive in a moist
environment and start from sweating. Make sure you dry off completely after
showering.
Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is easily picked up from
wet floors at the gym. The condition usually begins with intense itching
between the toes. Without treatment athlete’s foot can spread; causing the skin
to peel.
You can avoid athlete’s foot by wearing clean dry socks,
avoiding sweaty shoes and wearing shower shoes at the gym. Make sure you wash
and dry your feet completely every day. After a workout; at home, take off your
shoes and let your feet air out.
Athlete’s foot can occur on the palms, fingers and heels.
If it spreads to the fingernails or toenails, they can become thick, painful
and brittle.
Your doctor can prescribe medication to treat the foot
fungus. Look for over-the-counter treatments that contain the anti-fungal miconazole,
clotrimazole, or tolnaftate .Clean your feet twice a day, dry
thoroughly, apply the medication and wear clean cotton socks.
Ringworm
is another type of fungus that spreads easily. It can occur on the scalp or
skin. Drying off well after a workout can help prevent ringworm. Don’t share
towels or other personal items to reduce the chances of ringworm.
To
avoid bacterial infections at the gym, make sure you wipe down equipment,
before and after a workout. Wash your hands before and after you exercise. Cover
any cuts or scrapes with a band aide. Don’t go to the gym if you’re sick.
Fungus
infections like jock itch, athlete’s foot and ringworm aren’t dangerous, but they
can cause discomfort.
Avoiding
fungal infections at the gym means paying attention to hygiene before, during
and after exercise.
Wear
fresh clothing during exercise, dry yourself off thoroughly after exercise and
don loose clothing, keep your shoes clean and dry, wear shoes that cover the
toes in the shower, and if needed, seek treatment advice from your personal
physician to treat fungus infections at the first sign of rash, itching or skin
changes that can signal ringworm.
Image: Ringworm
Credit: Wikimedia commons
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