Regular exercise is a vital part of a life bestowing health, energy, and, if you're lucky, a chiseled set of abs. But occasionally, a guy finds himself face to face with some of the less savory aftereffects of a hard workout-namely, athlete's foot and jock itch.
Athlete's foot, despite its name, is not experienced strictly by athletes. It's an infection that occurs when a certain type of fungus takes root on the foot, especially in the tight spaces between the toes. It also can affect the hands.
Highly contagious, these bacteria love to make the rounds via pool and shower surfaces and shared towels, shoes, and socks. You're also at risk of getting athlete's foot if you wear closed shoes often (plastic shoes are particularly risky), keep your feet wet for long periods, or sweat profusely.
The first indication that you have athlete's foot is likely to be the cracked, peeling skin on the bottoms of your feet, usually between your toes. You may also experience a burning feeling in the affected area, and you may have oozing blisters. Toenails may be thick and discolored if the infection has spread.
Most dermatologists will be able to tell just by looking at your feet that you have athlete's foot. Treatment is as simple as an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream. It's also important that you wash and dry your feet carefully twice a day, especially between the toes. Wear cotton socks and change them and your shoes often.
Jock itch is another unwelcome side effect of hard workouts, and it's also caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist places such as the folds of skin at the top of the thighs. It may spread through the groin all the way to the anus.
Heavy sweating and friction from clothing are the prime culprits, but it can also be contracted by direct contact or sharing clothes. Like athlete's foot, it causes scaly, red patches on the skin that may seep fluid, and (like athlete's foot) it usually responds well to over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and proper self care. This includes wearing clothing that's loose enough not to irritate skin, and keeping the skin clean and dry.
Don't let fear of fungus derail your workout. Take basic precautions such as wearing flip-flops in the locker room and getting out of damp, form-fitting workout clothing immediately. And call your doctor if your feet, hands, or groin are persistently itchy.
Source:
National Institutes of Health
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
