Indoor Workout Skin Problems

Winter is here and indoor workout sessions are on the rise as fellow dieters crowd health clubs to avoid being one of the many people who gains weight this holiday season. Unfortunately exercise-related skin problems are also on the rise. By no means, does this mean you should stop going to the gym but before you go, read up on the hidden dangers of indoor exercising and how to avoid a bothersome skin condition.

Athlete’s Foot
Walk barefoot in a health club and you may get a gross foot fungus called Athlete’s foot. No place is safe- from swimming pool floors to showers and locker rooms, this fungus grows best in dark, moist and warm environments, making sweaty feet tucked inside running shoes perfect targets. Symptoms include an itchy and burning sensation on feet, and in some cases cracked and scaly skin. To prevent Athlete’s foot, always wear shoes, sandals, or aquatic shoes at all times in health clubs. If you do encounter Athlete’s foot, over-the-counter treatments will usually heal, but if the symptoms are persistent, you may need prescription-strength medications from a dermatologist.

Blisters
Blisters are a common occurrence for runners or weight lifters since they are a result from friction between an area of the body and athletic equipment causes a splitting of the top layer of skin, allowing fluid build-up. One key to preventing blisters is to reduce friction by creating more distance from the equipment to the skin. Runners should wear moisture-wicking socks and apply a thin layer of vaseline between the sock and the shoe. Weight lifters should wear workout gloves to prevent blisters from forming on the palms. If you do form a blister, do not peel off the top layer of it and if it comes off naturally, it’s a good idea to keep the blister covered with vasaline and a band-aid to prevent infections.

Rashes
Rashes can occur due to abrasion on an area of the body if athletic padding is not used. Most cases of indoor rashes are caused by sliding on the basketball court or from constant contact with exercise mats or carpet. Like blisters, rashes should be covered with vasaline and bandaged for quick healing and to avoid scarring. Of course, other possible rashes may exist in a health club setting and it itching or other symptoms continue to occur, it is important to see a dermatologist.

Indoor Tanning
Not everything in health clubs is healthy. Perhaps the most dangerous health threat you will encounter in health clubs is the tanning booth. Indoor tanning devices are still offered at some health clubs across the country despite their link to skin cancer. Ultraviolet light, whether from natural sunlight or artificial light sources, increases a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. Their position in health clubs has been a controversial issue since it can mislead users to think they have some health benefit, purely from their affiliation with the health club. Do not be fooled, and remember there are a ton of sunless tanning products on the market that will give you that summery glow without the risk of cancer.