From rats to germs, gyms have caused more than 70 million Americans to end up in health centers last year because of problems with their skin. While the primary goal of those exercising in the gym is to keep the body in shape and weaken, many can unwittingly get infections or common skin diseases because the gym is a hotbed of infections and germs.
A study by Fit Rated, a fitness equipment review website, found that a weight in the gym has 362 times more germs than a toilet. Here are some of the most likely culprits for post-workout redness, acne or sores, and how you can avoid getting and spreading the germs in your body. Give it the right importance!
Folliculitis is a rash caused by hairs infected by bacteria
Many people have signs of this nature on their skin. They look like acne raised on the skin, which if irritated causes permanent scars. The condition is caused by germs such as bacteria or fungi that enter the hair follicles in the skin, causing infection. In severe cases, folliculitis may look less like acne and more like an even large, swollen mass. To avoid this condition, try not to wear sweatwear that has previously been worn in the gym, causing friction and irritation of your skin.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash
The infection occurs when small fungal parasites return the skin to their shelter and turn red or pink. These areas may be itchy or cause burning sensations. The condition can spread from one area of your body to another. Sweating, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces such as gym floors or closets, can spread the infection to you. Contact sports, especially wrestling and football, are the major risk factors for this infection.
Foot infection from sweat and sneakers
It mostly appears as skin itching between the toes. You can get it with any kind of exposure to fungi, such as walking barefoot in public showers, pools or anywhere with a damp surface. From wearing sneakers for a long time, sweat, this whole situation causes itching in the infected area. The good news is that the feet have no serious side effects and can be treated with a skin cream or oral medication.
Itching of the hips
Mushrooms love warm, humid and inevitable areas, making your region a perfect target, especially after a vigorous, sweaty gym session. People who are sweating more are more at risk. This is why it tends to be more common in men, as they are generally sweaty sex. A good shower and towel drying after exercise will help prevent this type of infection.
