Bacteria in the gym need attention.
So, you have made up your mind to join the gym, exercise and enjoy a slim figure in the new year. Just make sure your good intentions don't take the form of annoying skin or respiratory infections. They are rare, but gym infections can happen and do happen.
When sweaty members exchange machines and equipment, gyms may become breeding grounds for fungi, bacteria and viruses. In one study, researchers found 25 different types of bacteria in fitness centers, from toilet handles to leg press to elliptical trainers.
But don't let those disgusting thoughts of gym bacteria stop you from going. "Exercise is very important," said Nirev Patel, assistant professor of infectious diseases at St. Louis University. "(Infection) is something you have to remember."
Knowing what problems exist can help you avoid them. Stick to your fitness plan, but follow some simple safety suggestions.
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria lurking in the gym. They may also be the worst. But most of the time, they don't cause problems. In fact, about one-third of people, whether they exercise or not, carry some kind of staphylococcus on their skin.
"It can be on your skin or body, but it doesn't necessarily cause infection," said Dr. Patel, who is also the chief medical officer of SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital. Staphylococcal infection only occurs when you have scratches or wounds on your skin. Even if it is only a gap in chauvinism, bacteria will climb over it. The most serious form is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is usually not found in gyms.
Usually, staphylococcus will spread from person to person, not on the surface. This means that if you take part in contact sports instead of personalized sports, you need to be more worried. However, wash your hands often or use an alcoholic disinfectant. Before and after using fitness equipment, wipe it clean, cover any wounds or wounds, and do not use towels or other personal items.
Staphylococcal infection most often causes boils. If you have skin symptoms, don't leave to see a doctor.
tinea pedis
Fungi are everywhere, including the gym. Perhaps the most famous cases of infection are athletes' feet and athletes' itching. Both fungi are caused by fungi that grow in warm, dark and humid environments, such as your sweaty sneakers or the locker room of the gym. Not only the feet and groin will be affected, but also women under the armpits and breasts will be affected.
Dr Patel said that when you can find fungal infections in the gym by walking barefoot, they are more likely to come from your own hygiene habits. "Wearing sweaty shoes and wearing the same socks day after day can prevent feet from drying out, which makes the situation worse."
At least this will make the solution obvious: change socks and sportswear during exercise, and don't let them stew in your locker or gym bag. Wash clothes often, then hang them out and put them in a conspicuous place, not in a moldy wardrobe or bag.
If you have an itchy rash on one part, some over-the-counter antifungal products usually disappear within a few weeks. If not, talk to your doctor.
tinea
Tinea is another fungal infection that you may encounter in the gym. It can happen anywhere in your body, including your abdomen, your arms and legs.
Britt Marcussen, clinical associate professor of family medicine at Carver University School of Medicine in Iowa, said, "Different fungi are like different skin, like different plants, such as different environments and soils."
For this name, tinea looks like scales on your skin.
The way to avoid infection is the same as you avoid athletes' feet: wear flip-flops, wash clothes, wear sweaty clothes and socks, and wear wet shoes in the locker room of the gym. Antifungal shampoos also help prevent infection.
Cold and flu
Respiratory infections can easily spread at any close distance, including gyms. "Any time you gather with a group of people in a closed space, you will gain something," Dr. Marcussen said.
Usually, these viruses are spread by droplets produced when others cough and sneeze, and most viruses can survive in vitro for a period of time. "If you grab a dumbbell with the flu virus on it, touch your eyes or wipe your mouth, at least in theory, you can get it," Dr. Marcussen said.
The best protection: get the flu vaccine. After exercise, after leaving the gym, wash your hands or use an alcoholic disinfectant. Even if no one looks sick, take precautions. "People are spreading these viruses before they realize they are sick," said Dr Markussen.
plantar wart
Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Many people have papillomavirus, but they never know it, although some forms can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and so on. You can walk barefoot in the gym, especially in the wet shower area. You can choose the type that causes plantar warts.
In order to prevent the spread of plantar warts, if you take a bath after exercise, you often wear shoes in the gym and slippers in the shower.
Fortunately, many plantar warts will fall off on their own. But because they grow inside, they will get hurt. If you have painful plantar warts, or any other problems, you can talk to your doctor about freezing or shaving it.
impetigo
Pustules cause skin ulcers, which can ooze, rupture and scab. It may be caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus. These bacteria are usually harmless to the skin and will not cause any problems. Bruises or abrasions will open the door to your body and cause symptoms. Contact with other bodybuilders or using towels may also cause streptococcus or staphylococcus infection.
Wash your hands often and leave labels on towels for personal use.
If you have red abscess, please consult your doctor. Pustules can be treated with antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics.
bubble
Herpes virus can cause cold sores and genital warts. Although it is not common in the gym, it may happen. Herpes virus usually causes cold sores (sometimes flu and cold-like symptoms) through wounds or pains, and it is easier to spread from person to person than fitness equipment. In fact, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV- 1) has been recorded between wrestlers and rugby players.
The best way to prevent the spread of herpes is to avoid contact with cold sores visible to anyone. This includes not sharing drinks. As usual, wash your hands frequently, including after exercise.
Hot bath rash
If you use a swimming pool or hot tub in the gym, there is another problem to consider: Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This kind of bacteria breeds in hot tubs or pools without enough disinfectants (such as chlorine). It can cause itching and rash, and it can also cause swimmers' ears.
If you swim or soak in the gym, wash your swimsuit and shower-use soap! Establish contact with gym staff to ensure that chlorine and pH are checked at least twice a day.
The rash in the hot tub will disappear by itself after a few days. See your doctor often to see the persistent problems.
How to avoid bacteria in the gym?
Generally speaking, the bacteria in the gym are not something that makes you worry too much. The benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks it brings. Furthermore, most of them can be blocked by the same simple protocol. "Traditional preventive measures are really the best," said Aaron Glatt, a spokesman for the American Infectious Diseases Association, a medical and epidemiologist at South Nassau Community Hospital in Park Jung Su, new york.
This means limiting human contact, using front and back wiping equipment, always wearing shoes and slippers, washing hands or washing hands every time you go to the gym.
There's no harm in checking every once in a while to make sure the gym is in good condition. "Make sure the equipment is in good condition," Dr. Patel said. He said, not only weightlifting and treadmills, but also stools. When you see cracks or cracks in this material, bacteria will enter. If the equipment looks outdated, you worry that there may be no other way to maintain it.