Common gym rashes and infections you can catch, according to this doctor

Working out at your local gym brings you plenty of health benefits but have you thought of other things that may be lurking at the gym that you should be wary of? 

Recently I enrolled in a high intensity workout class, and by the time I was nearing the end of it, I developed rashes on my palms and thighs after a close skin contact with the dirty floor. Imagine other close-contact surfaces like cold plunge tubs, gym equipment and floor mats which may carry bacteria? One research even shows that potential bacterial genea include Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, and Micrococcus. These bacteria including Salmonella and Klebsiella are known to cause food poisoning and pneumonia.

Common gym infections to take note of

According to Dr Ong Wen Chong, a Hybrid Care Doctor with Doctor Anywhere, a lot of these prevailing bacteria can cause common gym infections like common colds, ringworm and staph infections. 

“Additionally, we frequently see cases of athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and folliculitis—an infection of the hair follicles that appears as red bumps, often caused by bacteria like staph or Pseudomonas, also known for causing ‘hot tub rash’. I encounter these types of infections regularly in both in-person clinic visits and teleconsultations, where patients report symptoms after gym sessions or exposure to shared equipment,” he says.

‘Hot tub rash’ is caused by bacteria that flourishes in tubs or pools that do not have enough disinfectant products like chlorine. A person can show symptoms of this rash from a matter of a few hours to a few days. The rash can appear around the stomach area and will go away in the next few days. However, if symptoms persist, it’s best to see a doctor or a skin specialist.

Dr Ong attributes such gym infections to our tropical climate that creates ideal conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive, especially in high-contact environments like gyms. 

Such infections can spread easily through direct skin contact, shared gym equipment, and damp surfaces. “In Singapore’s humidity, fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can thrive on locker room floors, mats, and showers. Bacteria like Staph can enter through small cuts, and warts spread by contact with contaminated surfaces. Without frequent sanitising, shared gym equipment can harbour pathogens, making it easy for germs to spread,” he shares.

How to better protect ourselves from gym infection

Dr Ong recommends sticking to simple habits so that we can reduce gym infection risks. “I recommend these practical steps to patients, to lower their risk of gym-related infections: Bring your own towel, sanitise equipment, and always wear footwear in locker rooms, especially in wet areas. Shower and change out of damp clothes promptly after workouts. Don’t forget the basics –  regular handwashing, using antibacterial wipes, and maintaining clean gym gear can reduce infection risks,” he says.

The risk of infection shouldn’t hinder you from going to the gym. However there are many precaution steps you can take to better protect yourself the next time you are at the gym.