9 Skin Diseases You Can Pick Up at the Gym

Gym-goers may aim to leave sessions stronger, lighter, faster, or healthier than before, they can also depart with an unwanted skin condition.

A study found that gym weights have 362 times more germs than a toilet seat.

Here are some of the most likely culprits for post-workout rash, bumps, or sores, and how you can avoid getting and spreading gym germs.

Folliculitis

An itchy rash caused by hair follicles infected with bacteria

Treatment:

The treatment for folliculitis varies based on the type and the severity of the condition.

·        Medication (antibiotic/ antifungals)

·         Light therapy

·         Lancing

·         Laser hair removal

·         Home remedies

o   Warm compresses

o   Good hygiene

o   Soothing bath

Prevention:

·         try not to wear tight-fitting clothes

·         Keep your skin clean by showering after exercise

·         don't share towels or washcloths

Ringworm

A fungal infection that causes a red, scaly rash, often in a ring-shaped pattern

Treatment

·         Medications (Antifungal)

Prevention

·         Don't share personal items such as a towel

·         Stay cool and dry

·         Keep clean.

·         Wash your hands often

Athlete’s foot

An itchy infection caused by fungus on the feet.

Treatment

·         Medications (Antifungal)

·         Home remedies (warm soak)

Prevention

·         Provide a dry, clean, and friction-free environment for the feet.

Jock itch

Is a fungal infection of the groin

Treatment

·         Medications (Antifungal)

·         Home remedies

o   Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and warm water.

o   Dry the affected area thoroughly after bathing and exercise.

Prevention

·         Change clothes and undergarments every day

·         Wear loose cotton clothing.

Staph infections

An infection caused by bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the nose.

Treatment

·         Medications (Antibiotics)

Prevention

·         Don't share personal items such as towel, soap and razors

·         Keep your hands clean

·         Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with bandages until they heal

·         Shower right after exercising

Impetigo

A highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the face.

Treatment

·         Medications (Antibiotics)

Prevention

·         Practice good hygiene

·         Take bath regularly

·         Wash your hands.

Plantar warts

small growths that usually, appear on the heels or other weight-bearing areas of your feet

Treatment

·         Medications (Anti-inflammatory)

·         Medical procedure

o   Freezing-Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove a wart.

o   Tissue scraping- Removal of tissue by scraping or scooping with a surgical instrument called a curette.

·         Home remedies (warm soak)

Prevention

·         Avoid direct contact with warts.

·         Keep your feet clean and dry

·         Change your shoes and socks daily.

·         Don't pick at or scratch warts

·         Avoid walking barefoot around swimming pools and locker rooms

Molluscum Contagiosum

Small, benign bumps on the skin caused by a poxvirus.

Treatment

·         Medical procedure

o   Freezing-Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove a wart.

o   Tissue scraping- Removal of tissue by scraping or scooping with a surgical instrument called a curette.

Prevention

·         Don't share personal items such as towel, soap and razors

·         Avoid shaving

·         Avoid sexual contact if you have bumps in the genital area

Herpes

A virus causing contagious sores, most often around the mouth or on the genitals.

Treatment

·         Medication (Antiviral)

·         Home remedies

o   bathing in lightly salted water

o   applying petroleum jelly to the affected area

o   soaking in a warm bath

o   avoid tight clothing

Prevention

·         use condoms when having sex

·         do not have sex while symptoms are present (genital, anal, or skin-to-skin)

·         do not kiss when there is a cold sore around the mouth

·         do not have many sexual partners

To know more visit: https://dermatology.pulsusconference.com/

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