Common Skin (And Other) Infections From the Gym

What kind of rash can you get from a gym? You may catch several types of skin infections from the gym, including a staph infection and ringworm. Research has found that bacteria live on 10% to 30% of gym surfaces, such as equipment, the floor, and yoga mats.

Simple actions can save you from common skin infections and other illnesses that easily spread while you sweat. Read on to learn about skin infections you can catch at the gym and ways to prevent them.

What Causes Infections To Spread in Gyms?

You might contract a skin infection through contact with different surfaces at the gym. Certain types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, including:

• Bottoms of smelly gym bags
• Floors of community showers
• Insides of running shoes

Skin infections that spread through the air can also occur. A study published in 2018 found that germs can spread easily through the air if there's a lot of carbon dioxide, such as when a lot of people are exercising and breathing heavily.

1. Hot Tub Rash

Pseudomonas aeruginosa flourishes in hot tubs or pools that do not have enough disinfectant like chlorine. This bacteria can produce an itchy, red rash, known as "hot tub rash," and cause swimmer's ear.

The rash can appear anywhere between a few hours to a few days, mainly around the stomach area. Hot tub rash usually goes away on its own after a few days. See a dermatologist if you have persistent symptoms or develop a rash more than once.

How To Prevent It

Wash your swimsuit and shower with soap after you swim or soak at the gym. You might consider contacting the gym staff to confirm they check the chlorine and pH levels at least twice per day.

2. Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection that causes red, itchy sores that ooze, burst, and form a yellow, crusty scab. Certain Streptococcus (strep) and Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria are the main culprits that cause impetigo. A cut or abrasion on the skin typically opens the door for these bacteria to enter your body. You can also pick up bacteria from touching other gym-goers or sharing their towels.

Seek medical care if you have impetigo symptoms. A healthcare provider can prescribe oral or topical antibiotics. You can also wash your skin with an antibacterial soap.

How To Prevent It

You can prevent impetigo from spreading by:

• Avoiding oozing blisters
• Not sharing any towels or other personal items
• Using a clean washcloth and towel if you have an active infection
• Washing (but not scrubbing) your hands frequently

3. Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are fleshy overgrowths of skin, typically found on the soles of your feet. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the cause of plantar warts. Many people contract HPV but never notice any symptoms. Some strains of HPV are responsible for different warts and cancers, including cervical, penile, or head and neck cancers.

Plantar warts do not go away on their own and are hard to treat. Consult a healthcare provider about treatment options if you:

• Are unsure if a skin growth is a wart or what home treatments can be used
• Have a bleeding wart or one that is growing fast
• Have further signs of skin infection (e.g., redness and pain)
• See no improvement in treating the wart

How To Prevent It

Keep your shoes on at the gym to prevent the spread of plantar warts. You may contract strains of HPV that cause plantar warts by walking barefoot at the gym, especially in damp shower areas. Other ways to prevent spreading plantar warts include not picking, scratching, or touching warts and keeping any ones on your feet dry.

4. Ringworm

Fungi are everywhere, including the gym. Ringworm is one of the most common fungal infections. Dermatophyte, the fungus that causes ringworm, thrives in warm, dark, moist environments like gym locker rooms and sweaty sneakers.

Types of ringworm you'll likely find at the gym include athlete's foot and jock itch. Athletes' foot causes white scaly and itchy blisters on the feet. Jock itch causes red, painful, and itchy red-shaped blotches in the groin area. All types of ringworm can cause red, scaly circles anywhere on your body, including your arms, legs, and midsection.

Several over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams and other medicines can usually clear up an itchy rash in one of those areas. You'll want to follow up with a dermatologist for treatment since ringworm can come back. Talk to a dermatologist if ringworm treatment fails.

How To Prevent It

You can contract ringworm at the gym by walking around barefoot, but fungi are also likely to come from how you clean your personal items. Wash your clothes frequently, allow them to dry completely, and store them in plain sight.

"[Ringworm]'s made worse by being in sweaty shoes, using the same socks day after day, and not letting your feet dry out," Nirav Patel, MD, an infectious disease specialist at the University Medical Center in New Orleans, told Health.

Other ways to prevent ringworm include:

• Change your socks and clothes, including gym clothes, regularly.
• Disinfect or throw out infected items.
• Do not share towels and other personal items.
• Shower after workouts.
• Wear shoes while walking around the gym, including in the shower.

5. Staph Infections

Staph bacteria can live on your skin and not cause problems unless you have a break in your skin. The bacteria can easily enter your body, even if it is just a tiny nick from shaving. Staph bacteria pass from person to person, but they can also pass from surface to person. Infected surfaces at the gym may include equipment, clothing, and towels.

Red boils that are painful and swollen are the most noticeable symptoms of a staph infection. Others include drainage and a warm-to-the-touch feeling at the site of the infection.

How To Prevent It

Make sure gym equipment is in good condition to prevent staph infections. Bacteria can enter breaks and cracks in the material and then pass to your skin.

Other ways to prevent a staph infection include:

• Cover any cuts or sores.
• Do not share towels and other personal items.
• Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Wipe down equipment before and after using it.

See a healthcare provider if you think you may have a staph infection. Treatment may include oral or topical antibiotics.

Other Gym Infections

Germs that cause illnesses, in addition to skin infections, may thrive at the gym. Respiratory infections, for example, spread easily in close quarters, like at the gym.

You may come into contact with herpes simplex viruses (HSV) if you come into contact with people with open sores. You are less likely to catch herpes at the gym than respiratory infections, but it's still important to take precautions.

Common Colds and the Flu

Cold and flu viruses can enter your body through droplets from someone else's coughs and sneezes. Those germs can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, including equipment and door handles.

The best protection against the flu is getting an annual flu shot. Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Take precautions (e.g., wipe down equipment) even if no one at the gym seems ill.
• Use an alcohol-based sanitizer during and after leaving the gym.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms that last longer than 10 days or are severe. You may consult a healthcare provider if you develop the flu and have a high risk for complications.

Herpes

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) can cause cold sores and genital herpes. Herpes enters your body if you touch an open sore, which typically occurs through close, personal contact. HSV can also spread through shared items, like gym equipment and towels.

Avoid contact with anyone's visible cold sores. Do not share drinks, and wash your hands thoroughly and often, including after a workout.

Seek medical attention if you have:

• Severe or long-lasting symptoms (i.e., more than two weeks)
• Sores or blisters close to your eyes
• A weak immune system
  

A Quick Review

Going to the gym can expose you to germs that cause skin conditions like staph infection and ringworms. Other illnesses that spread at the gym include colds, the flu, and herpes.

The risk of infections does not mean you have to stop going to the gym. There are many ways to help reduce or prevent those infections. Practice good hygiene, including washing your hands, wiping down equipment, and changing and washing sweaty clothes.