Skin doctors say some forms of exercise can bring on bothersome, even painful, skin conditions.
Dermatologist Brian B. Adams, MD, MPH, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Cincinnati and director of dermatology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, talked about the most common skin conditions to which people who engage in regular indoor exercise are susceptible and how to treat them. He was speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology.
Blisters form when friction between an area of the body and athletic equipment causes a splitting of the top layer of skin, allowing fluid build-up. Runners and those who routinely lift weights often develop blisters. Dr. Adams suggests that the key to preventing blisters is to reduce friction by creating more distance from the equipment to the skin.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly between the sock and the shoe.
- Use gloves to lift weights.
- Do not peel off the top layer of a blister. If it comes off, keep the blister covered with petroleum jelly and a bandage.
- See your doctor if the skin around the blister appears red. You might have an infection.
Fungus/athlete’s foot is common in health clubs – from swimming pool floors and diving boards to showers and locker rooms. Athlete’s foot is the most common contagious fungal infection that exercise enthusiasts are prone to developing. This fungus grows best in dark, moist, and warm environments, making sweaty feet tucked inside running shoes perfect targets.
- Pay attention to itching and burning on your feet, peeling, cracks and scales between your toes and scaling and drying along the bottom and sides of your feet.
- Never go barefoot. Wear shoes, socks, sandals or aquatic shoes at all times.
- Use over-the-counter medications to treat athlete’s foot. If infections don’t go away, see your doctor for stronger drugs.
- Some people with athlete’s foot are more prone to developing toenail fungus too.
Acne can flare up in unusual places on your body because of tight-fitting athletic clothing or equipment. Wearing tight-fitting exercise shorts made of non-breathable fabrics can even cause an acne flare-up on the buttocks. This is called acne mechanica. The solution: Wear breathable, not tight-fitting clothing.
Turf burns (or road rash) are nasty and painful marks. Sliding on the basketball court or constant contact with exercise mats or carpet can cause them. The solution: Clean and cover the burns with petroleum jelly and a bandage. See your doctor if you see signs of infection.
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