Going to the gym is an
excellent way to improve your
physical health. However, there are certain
precautions that gym-goers should take in order to remain safe and healthy.
Typically, the term “gym safety” brings to mind proper lifting techniques,
which are very important, but should not be the only precautions we take when
working out.
اضافة اعلان
Especially in gyms, sweat combined with a moist
environment provides the perfect breeding ground for infections, of which the
most common types contracted at workout centers are skin infections. However,
by applying safety measures, you can greatly reduce your risk of contracting
skin infections and rest at ease while lifting weights or doing cardio at the
gym.
Skin and surfaces
One common skin infection that gym-goers tend to pick up is ringworm,
which, despite its name, is caused by a fungus and not a worm. Ringworm easily
spreads from one infected person to another, either through direct contact with
an individual who has the infection, or — more concerning — from surfaces with
the fungus on it. A surface must be moist and damp for ringworm fungus to be
able to live. Areas like public showers and locker room floors are the ideal
place for it to thrive. It is especially important not to share
clothing,
towels, combs, or other personal items with a person who may have ringworm,
since such items can also carry the infection.
The most recognizable feature of ringworm is the
development of a red ring that may be raised and is followed by itching.
Treatment varies depending on the part of the body effect. Since ringworm
prefers moist environments, it will commonly infect areas of the body where
sweat is most likely to accumulate. On the torso, this will commonly include
the waistline, skin folds, and the underarms. However, the most common sites of
infection associated with the gym are known as jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Jock itch typically starts along the crease where the leg meets the body but
can spread to the skin around the groin, inner thighs, and buttocks. The cause
is typically from sharing contaminated clothing or towels.
Athlete’s foot is ringworm that infects the sole,
heel, and areas between the toes. Symptoms are similar to those experienced in
other infected parts of the body, but may also include a foul odor. The most
common cause of athlete’s foot is walking barefoot in locker rooms, showers,
and
swimming pool areas.
All about plantar
warts
A plantar wart is a wart that grows on the bottom of the foot,
particularly on the underside of the heel or toes. When plantar warts occur,
keratin builds up on the skin, which results in raised areas that may resemble
calluses. A plantar wart may be painful or tender, especially when placing
pressure on it while walking. Plantar warts are caused by a virus known as the
human papillomavirus (HPV). Similar to ringworm, this virus thrives in moist
places. As a result, places such as public showers, locker room floors, and
areas around swimming pools are common places for infection. Although the virus
can be transmitted through direct contact, it is contracted more easily if there
is a cut or opening in the skin of the foot.
Although plantar
warts may be unsightly or painful, the infection itself is mild. Plantar warts
remain isolated to the foot and, in some cases, resolve naturally. Even in
cases where they do not resolve on their own, treatments for plantar warts are
simple but may take a few months to fully remove.
A hot tub how-to
Hot tub rash, also known as hot tub folliculitis, is a relatively
common infection from public hot tubs and warm pools. It is caused by a
bacteria called
Pseudomonas aeruginosa which thrives in warm and moist areas.
This type of bacteria is extremely resilient and can survive even in water that
has been chlorinated. Although any warm water can carry the bacteria, it is
most common in pools and hot tubs that are not cleaned regularly and
thoroughly.
Hot tub rash is
a skin infection that takes place in the hair follicles and produces tiny red
bumps that are often itchy. Additionally, the bumps may become pus filled and
resemble acne. The rash can develop within a few hours to several days after
exposure.
It is common for
the rash to appear on the chest where the water level meets the body, or under
the swimsuit where water becomes trapped for longer periods of time. To prevent
this, avoid shaving or removing hair immediately before using a hot tub.
Additionally, avoid sitting around in a damp swimsuit, and wash off with soap
and water as soon as you are done.
Stay dry, stay
healthy
Regardless of the type of infection, there are steps that you can take to
help reduce your risk of picking up an infection at the gym. Moisture is a
preferred environmental factor for nearly all forms of skin infections. Wearing
loose-fitting clothes can help allow areas of skin that accumulate sweat to dry
off. Similarly, it is advised to wear dri-fit undergarments that help move
sweat from the skin to the surface of the fabric. Consider wearing both
loose-fitting and dri-fit clothing in order to keep the skin as dry as
possible. Additionally, it is important to wash your clothes and towels after
every use, and especially — not to share them with others.
If your gym has
a swimming pool or you decide to use the showers, there are a few things to
consider. First, never walk barefoot in the gym. Even in the shower, keep a
pair of waterproof sandals on at all times. Once you finish showering, dry off
with a clean towel as thoroughly as possible. If swimming in the pool, it is
impractical to wear shoes while swimming. However, once you step out of the
pool, have a pair nearby to limit exposure.
Disinfecting can
be another effective way to reduce the risk of skin infections. Many local gyms
have spray bottles containing disinfectant near the equipment. Alternatively,
you can bring your own spray bottle or wipes along with a rag to wipe down
equipment. It is best to wipe down equipment before and after use, as a
courtesy to others. For additional protection, consider bringing a towel for
the sole purpose of providing a barrier between your skin and the equipment.
Similarly, it is best if certain equipment such as yoga mats, boxing gloves, or
lifting belts are brought from home and used only by you.
Finally,
personal
hygiene is arguably the most effective way to prevent skin infections.
Immediately after finishing at the gym, you should wash your hands.
Additionally, consider carrying hand sanitizer to use regularly throughout your
exercises and between machines. If you choose to not shower at the gym, shower
as soon as possible after working out. Following your shower, be sure to put on
clean clothes, particularly socks and undergarments.
If you have any cuts or
cracks in your skin, you must keep them clean and covered. Even if a wound is
covered, you should still avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs until it has
completely healed. If you notice any signs of a skin infection such as pain,
swelling, redness, or itching, consult a healthcare professional as soon as
possible.
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