Infections and diseases that can spread in the gym
We all go to the gym for our health, but sometimes gyms can be filthy environments that make us sick. In this health sectionSelMagztogym illnesswe refer to the diseases and infections that you might catch from the gym environment.
10 infections and illnesses you may contract in the gym environment
1. Folliculitis
Definition:
This infection is an inflammation of hair follicles that can occur due to heat, sweat, bacteria, fungus, and other causes. It can be contracted by sharing gym clothes and towels.
Symptoms:
Bumps and sometimes blisters or red spots around hair follicles that may be pus-filled or not.
Treatment:
- If you sweat a lot, wear cooler clothing, and always use clean towels after showering.
- Use antibacterial washes to eliminate skin bacteria.
- Body sprays containing salicylic acid can also moisturize the body and keep infections away from the skin and hair follicles.
2. Ringworm
Definition:
This common skin infection is caused by fungi and spreads through skin contact, dirty towels, filthy gym showers, and other contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms:
Reddish bumps on the skin in areas like the chest, buttocks, back, and groin, but it can appear in other places as well.
Treatment:
A dermatologist can prescribe appropriate medications. Make sure to wash your body after the gym and shower at home. If you notice any redness, take it seriously and seek proper treatment from a doctor to prevent it from worsening.
3.Groin Itching
Definition:
Groin itching can also be a fungal infection, often affecting men more than women due to increased sweating in that area.
Symptoms:
As SelMagz’s health section mentions, the first sign is usually itching, followed by red or pink inflammation typically in the inner thigh area.
Treatment:
- Use zinc oxide powder to keep moisture balanced in that area.Apply antifungal powders.Always shower after exercising and change your underwear.
- Apply prescribed treatment creams in thin layers to the skin, then dust the area with powder.
- 4. Athlete’s Foot
- Definition:
This fungal infection is common among young men and spreads through skin contact, especially in pools and gyms.
Symptoms:
Itching is one of the most common symptoms, along with red bumps around the foot and between the toes.
Treatment:
This issue can be treated with antifungal creams and powders like Lamisil, but prevention is better than cure. Use clean flip-flops and shoes. Avoid letting your bare feet touch gym floors, and if your feet sweat excessively, use antifungal powders before and after workouts.
5. Lice
Definition:
Lice infest the head, groin, and body, often found in body hair such as chest hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, underarms, and beards. They can spread through shared combs, hats, scarves, wigs, towels, clothing, and more.
Symptoms:
Severe itching is the most common sign.
Treatment:
There are many treatments for lice, and you don’t need to shave your entire head. A doctor will prescribe medication, and it’s important to maintain hygiene in the gym and avoid sharing personal items.
6.
Plantar WartsDefinition:This infection occurs on the soles of the feet due to a type of skin virus.
Symptoms:Your foot may develop textures similar to cauliflower, with many bumps present and, in fact, blood vessels have less nourishment in this state.Treatment:
Doctors recommend soaking your feet in water for about 10 minutes before using salicylic acid ointment. In the mornings, apply a thin layer of Vaseline over those areas, then use a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells.
A specialist may use treatments like cryotherapy, laser, or medication injection in such cases.
7.
Molluscum ContagiosumDefinition:This skin infection is caused by the pox virus and spreads through skin-to-skin contact, pools, contaminated towels, and sexual relations.
Symptoms:
Small red or pink raised spots on the skin that can be mistaken for pimples, but they differ by being white and overly firm.Treatment:In this case, you should see a dermatologist for treatments like cryotherapy, heat therapy, or laser to improve your skin.8. Staphylococcus aureusDefinition:
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that lives on the skin and respiratory glands, found in the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs.
Symptoms:If this infection enters the body, you will notice its effects in your nose.Hair follicles may become blocked, hot, and inflamed, and this bacterium can also cause fever, fatigue, and chills.
Treatment:
You may use antibiotics for this issue. Home treatment can be applied to bumps around hair, but any other redness on the skin must be treated by a specialist.9. Streptococcus pyogenes:Definition:
This infection naturally exists in skin tissue but can cause problems like skin pain if it increases, and sometimes it may create cuts as well.
Symptoms:
This infection can cause inflammation, heat, pain, and fever, spreading quickly, activating the immune system, and is more common in conditions such as cancer,
diabetes
and autoimmune diseases.
Treatment:
Treatment varies depending on infection severity and antibiotics are commonly used.
10. Nail Fungal Infection
Definition:
This infection is similar to athlete’s foot and commonly spreads from damp areas like pool floors.
Symptoms:
You will notice changes in your toenails, which may become thick and yellow and might get brittle as well.Treatment:For this type of infection, you can use antifungal powder, and you should also consult a dermatologist for stronger medications like ciclopirox or fluconazole, which eliminate fungi within three months.
Folliculitis
Gym-related Folliculitis
Gym Illness
Athlete’s Foot
Gym DiseaseGym LiceMolluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum Contagiosum Gym Disease
Gym Illness
Gym Illness
Treatment for Groin Itching
Benefits of Zinc
Streptococcus pyogenes
Treatment for Lice
Folliculitis
Treatment for Warts
