Contact: Lisa Doty
847-956-0900, ldoty@asds.net
CHICAGO, IL–As a New Year rolls in, more people are joining or renewing gym memberships in hopes of being leaner and healthier in 2008. Ironically, fitness centers can be one of the more unhealthy locations if patrons don’t take proper precautions during and after workouts. While a great source for shedding excess pounds, fitness centers also act as breeding grounds for bacteria that cause skin irritations and infections. “Physical activity is only one part of the healthy lifestyle puzzle. Cleaning gym equipment is an easy step in preventing dangerous bacterial infections, and should be added to any workout routine,” says Kent Aftergut, M.D., member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).
Dr. Aftergut outlines the most common skin infections found in fitness centers:
Staph Infection: Skin lesions such as boils or open non-healing sores can result from sweat left behind on fitness equipment. These infections can be easily transferred to the skin, nose and throat. If not treated properly, staph infections may invade the bloodstream, lungs, urinary tract and heart
Athletes Foot: Athletes foot can be contracted by walking barefoot on locker room and shower floors. Symptoms include red scaly tender rashes found in between toes, and if not treated properly, the infection can spread to other parts of the foot and body
Ringworm: Round, red scaly rings on the surface of the skin, caused by shared yoga and gym mats and dirty towels. Ringworm can affect the skin, scalp, feet, nails, and if not treated properly, can permanently scar the infected area
Nail Infection: Raised calluses and red nail beds are caused by wearing improper footwear while exercising. When left untreated, nail infections can spread to other nails and can cause the infected nails to fall off.
Below, Dr. Aftergut and the ASDS provide suggestions to prevent infections and irritations when exercising at a public fitness center.
Dos:
Do sanitize all fitness equipment before and after workouts: Wipe down all fitness equipment with sanitizer spray or wipes to clean away unwanted bacteria
Do bring your own yoga mat: Yoga mats absorb and trap sweat that may turn into infection causing bacteria, especially when shared with others
Do buy well-fitted sneakers: When sneakers are tight and unsupportive, toe-nails may become sore and infected
Don’ts:
Don’t shower without flip-flops: Always use some type of protective footwear before heading into locker rooms and showers
Don’t use the same towel throughout an entire workout: If a towel is used more than once during a workout, the risk of spreading bacteria onto the skin increases significantly
Don’t ignore your skin: Monitor how skin reacts after exercising at a fitness center. If there is continual irritation and infection, visit a
board certified dermasurgeon for treatment options
For more information on skin irritations and infections or to speak with Dr. Aftergut, please contact Andrea Fassacesia at afassacesia@environics-usa.com or 203-325-8772 X19.