The experts from CLn, the creators of a line of products to help fight skin infections, are to here to help you learn how to keep skin healthy.

Going to the gym is great for your health… if you’re smart about it. Everyone knows the risk of physical injury, but are we aware of the great risk of contracting a skin infection? We focus on the inside, when maybe we should pay more attention to what’s around us.

Below are two common skin infections that can be contagious and are prevalent at the gym and around contact sports. Familiarize yourself with these symptoms and preventative measures to be as healthy on the outside as you are on the inside.

Ringworm: Appears as circular skin lesions with an empty center

Ringworm is a common and highly contagious fungal infection that is easily spread in places like the gym. Once contracted, ringworm lesions spread quickly over your body and resemble acne or a small rash. Avoid skin-to-skin contact if you know of someone who is infected and thoroughly wipe down all gym equipment before and after using. Showering after a workout with a sodium hypochlorite product can ensure that your skin is thoroughly cleansed in case you have come in contact with a skin infection unknowingly.

Outside of the gym, make sure you do not share any makeup products or brushes. You should also refrain from sharing workout clothes (especially hats) with anybody else. Though it may seem unlikely, even the slightest contact can spread infection.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): Appears as boils or as red, painful skin lesions that can expand over a few hours or days

MRSA is a form of staph infection that can spread quickly and have very serious symptoms, often requiring prompt medical attention. MRSA is most commonly spread through contact with scrapes or cuts, often times in the gym or locker room. To prevent this infection, it’s very important not to share towels or other personal items, specifically if you or another person has any sort of scrapes or cuts on their body. Similar to ringworm, MRSA is spread with skin-to-skin contact but can also be spread through the sharing of makeup products and brushes.

A Dermatologist’s Advice

Skin infections are preventable! The gym is a place where our skin can become highly compromised, and it’s essential to know how to go about protecting it while we work out. According to Dr. Mark Jackson, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Dermatology at the University of Louisville, “[individuals] who play sports should [make sure] to shower within one hour of sports activity. I recommend using CLn® SportWash.” It is important to also “address any signs and symptoms of an infection early and seek medical attention to avoid complications.”

When it comes to your skin, always be extra cautious. Exercise is never as fulfilling if our body is not receiving all of the benefits that can come from working out!