Sport and mycosis: a dangerous relationship

Especially when it is warmer and in very busy places, such as swimming pools or gyms, it is easier to contagion and develop mycosis, especially on the shoulders and feet.

On the shoulders and in the shoes. It is in these areas of the body of athletes that cutaneous mycoses lurk preferentially. Throughout the year, but especially in summer. Let’s see why and what to do.

When the ambient temperature rises, microorganisms proliferate and the opportunities for contagion multiply: in the pool, in the gym, at the sea and more generally in all the places frequented by many people. Thus, in those who practice sports the appearance of mycosis is more frequent, especially on the shoulders and feet.

In the first case, at the origin of the problem there is almost always the dermatophyte fungus Malassezia furfur and the resulting mycosis is the well-known pytiriasis versicolor, to tell the truth very widespread even among those who practice relatively little physical activity.

Recognizing it is easy thanks to the unmistakable coffee-milk patches on light skin or pink on tanned skin. It is a harmless mycosis, but unpleasant because of the aesthetic damage and itching that is sometimes associated with it.

At the level of the feet, however, to give problems is above all the tinea pedis, a disorder better known as “athlete’s foot”. Its presence causes intense redness, burning, itching and more or less important skin lesions (small cuts and superficial sores with a pulverulent appearance, especially in the spaces between the fingers), but inevitably annoying and at risk of infection.

If you want to know more about athlete’s foot read this article.

If you are interested in the problem of nail mycoses read this article.

In part, preventing them can be

Given that practicing sports is in itself a factor that increases the risk of contracting skin mycoses, there are some practical measures that can complicate the life of the microorganisms responsible by preventing them from taking root.

To prevent pityriasis it is important to ensure good perspiration to the skin during physical activity, wearing t-shirts, overalls and shorts made of natural fibers. And wash immediately after training or swimming in the pool. Good daily personal hygiene is essential, but it must not be excessive so as not to weaken the balance of the skin and reduce its natural defenses.

Another key aspect: avoid direct contact with hazardous surfaces. So, pay attention to common equipment, benches, poolside, sunbeds, deckchairs and so on.

It is better to always interpose a personal towel (different from the one with which you will dry after a bath or shower) and never use towels, sweaters or sweatshirts, even the dearest and most unexpected friends.

The probability of contracting tinea pedis increases with the number of hours in which you wear sneakers (but also city sneakers) and with the degree of sweating of the foot.

Choose good quality shoes, always use them with cotton socks and for the shortest possible time, apply insoles or absorbent powders, wash and dry your feet well after each workout and at the end of the day, change socks often: these are the key actions of prevention.

In addition, of course, not to walk barefoot in the pool, in the gym locker rooms and in the common showers.

How to delete them

Unfortunately, those who have a tendency to suffer from these mycoses (due to the type of skin and the quality of sebaceous secretion) will hardly be able to avoid them completely, even if they adopt all the aforementioned precautions. Indeed, often, it will happen that you have to endure their return several times and have to treat them each time with suitable drugs.

The treatment of pityriasis is based on applying morning and evening, on clean and dry skin, antifungal products, such as those based on bifonazole. It is an effective and harmless treatment, but it requires patience and regularity.

The cream should be spread in sufficient quantity to cover the entire affected area and part of the surrounding healthy skin and gently massaged until it is absorbed. Treatment should be continued for at least 2-3 weeks (or as directed by your doctor and/or package leaflet), even if the spots seem to disappear more quickly.

Bifonazole is the active ingredient also indicated for the treatment of tinea pedis, the fight is conducted with similar drugs, but it can prove to be harder and longer (3-4 weeks).

The recommended pharmaceutical form is cream, but antifungal powders can be particularly useful, which help to “dry” the foot.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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