While germs are everywhere in our environment, some are more damaging than others. We can let the idea of germs drive us nuts, or we can learn to come to terms with the fact that some germs are symbiotic to our survival while others are not. While we can’t control the fact that we will come into contact with many of them on a daily basis, we can diminish the likelihood of serving as host to some of the more unpleasant ones simply by adopting good hygiene habits.
My inspiration for this edition came from a recent outbreak of fungus in a local gym. Although it is not life threatening, it is certainly unpleasant to catch any form of this infection. One of the most common types found in a gym environment is ringworm, caused by the Tinea microbe. It can affect the scalp, the body (ring worm), the feet (athlete’s foot), the groin (jock itch), and the nails. People can become infected through direct contact with an infected person or pet, contact with objects or surfaces that an infected person or pet has come in contact with, or contact with infected soil. The last form of transference is the least common.
Although the fungus is known by different names depending on the area of the body that the symptoms appear, it is essentially the same fungus. While the name “ringworm”: conjures up horrible images of microscopic worms on the body, the fungus is actually called so because of the red “ring” that appears around the infected area, and has nothing to do with actual worms. It is contagious even before symptoms appear. When the fungus appears on other areas of the body it is often in a different form. On the feet it is usually scaly, appearing between the toes, and on the nails it causes discoloration, thickening, and brittle nails. Scalp ringworm usually appears 10 to 14 days after contact, while ringworm of the skin takes only 4 to 10 days to appear after contact.
Although you can catch a fungal infection from cats or dogs, I’ve noticed that floor matting (often located in gyms), in particular, tends to attract this microbe because it provides an environment conducive to ideal living conditions for the fungus. However, fungus can grow in other areas as well. Especially any medium that comes in contact with perspiration and offers a stable living environment can serve as a host for an unwanted microbe. This includes weight and cardio machines, tile locker room floors, public showers and punching bags to name a few.
Taking some simple precautions like wearing shoes or flip-flops on public floors and in public showers, cleaning off gym equipment before and after you use it, and showering thoroughly after a workout can help to diminish your chances of catching ringworm. If you are unfortunate enough to pick it up, there are several over-the-counter medications that will help you get rid of it. Since it is contagious, remember to cover the infection when you are in common areas to protect others from exposure to the fungus.
Here are some things to remember when dealing with fungal infections:
* Practice good hygiene
* Wear flip-flops in public showers
* Wipe down gym equipment before and after use
* Shower after workouts
* Watch for any unusual markings on the skin
* Seek treatment if markings do appear
* Protect others from exposure to infection
If you are unfortunate enough to come into contact with a fungal infection, remember not to panic, just take it all in stride. This too shall pass!
Reference: http://www.eco-vie.com/a_ringworm.html
Copyright © 2010 Optimum Condition, LLC. All rights reserved. Melissa Allen, CPT, BS, CES is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and Medifast health coach, is the owner of the Optimum Condition Corrective Exercise & Performance Center, located in El Cajon, in the East County of San Diego. We specialize in customized fitness training & corrective exercise for both recreational athletes and post-rehab clients, as well as guaranteed weight loss programs or your money back. You can schedule a free consultation to help you get started. Please visit her website at OptimumCondition.org.
