Working out is great for your health! A regular workout routine can aid in weight control, heart disease prevention, and mood improvement among other benefits. However, if you’re working out at the gym, you may also be putting yourself at risk for a variety of skin infections. Bacteria and germs that cause common skin infections such as ringworm, or plantar warts thrive in warm, moist places like sweaty exercise equipment and locker room showers.
This doesn’t mean you need to cancel your gym membership – it just means it’s important to take precautions to prevent skin infections when possible. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to do so.
To help prevent contracting common skin infections at the gym, try the following:
- Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothes.
- Always wear shoes around pools, and in locker rooms and showers.
- Keep cuts clean and covered.
- Disinfect equipment before and after use.
- Wash your hands immediately after working out.
- Shower and put on clean clothes as soon as possible afterwards.
Without treatment, skin infections can worsen. If you notice signs of an infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or itching, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. For appointments and other questions our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
