Recently, ringworm infections have spread rapidly in gyms and people should be on high alert to avoid this infection as health experts have noticed that the infection has become highly treatment-resistant in the past. An increased number of cases was recorded and a lot of people were infected from places like gyms, saunas, pilates classes, and other public working out areas. 

Ringworm is a fungal infection that usually looks like a rash in a circular pattern with clearer skin in the center. The ringworm gets its name cause of its ring-like appearance on the skin and no actual worm is related to the disease. The rash is red in color and itchy, it also causes itchiness in the surrounding part of your skin. 

Ringworm is a communicable infection i.e. it can spread from one infected person to another healthy person. It often spreads from direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal.  Ringworms are curable but take 2-4 weeks to heal completely. However, people are getting infected from the gym a lot as bodily fluids like sweat are all over the place carrying the fungal infection with it. 

Types of Ringworm

There are 6 types of ringworms based on its location on the body. They are as follows:

• Athlete’s foot  – This kind of ringworm happens on the feet, between the toes and the soles of the feet. It can cause scaling and peeling of the skin along with blisters.

• Jock Itch – This type of ringworm affects the groin area and between your thighs. It is pretty common among people who constantly work out or are athletes.

• Scalp ringworm – It is very common among children compared to adults and leaves them with an itchy scalp and bald patches on the head. 

• Ringworm on the hands – It causes dryness and scaling on the palms of your hand and causes red patches on the back of your hand. 

• Beard ringworm – Symptoms include itchy, scaly red spots on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck of men with beards.

• Ringworm on the nails – In this type of ringworm nails start thickening, discolor, and peel away from the nail beds. 

How to avoid ringworm 

All the people who like to keep themselves fit and often visit gyms and other communal places for working out should be highly conscious about their surroundings to keep themselves away from the ringworm outbreak. Follow the following tips to stay away from ringworm infection.

Carry a hand sanitizer 

Always carry a hand sanitizer with you as it’s nearly impossible to wash your hands after touching anything susceptible like door handles, handrails, gym equipment, etc. 

Carry a disinfectant and a wipe 

Carry a disinfectant in a spraying bottle with a wipe or cloth to wipe off germs from the gym equipment like dumbbells, exercise machines, benches, etc before and after using the machine. This will protect you from the germs left behind by an infected person. 

Do not share

Although sharing is a very supreme act that fuels our emotional connection it is highly recommended to not share things like water bottles, pre-workouts, and snacks like protein bars with anyone to avoid contamination of your belongings with the fungal infection. 

Change your clothes ASAP 

As soon as you are done with your workout, get changed out of your workout set and toss it in the washing machine along with a disinfectant liquid to kill off any germs present on it. 

Make sure to contact your doctor if you notice anything similar to ringworm on your skin. Follow the above-mentioned tips to keep yourself safe from the ringworm outbreak and have a happy and healthy workout session at your gym.