Jamie's rash grew so itchy that it started drawing blood after scratching (Pic: Kennedy News)
A young regular gym lover is warning workout freaks to be careful of the equipment they use to exercise. Jamie Samnang thought she was just bitten by a mosquito when a rash on her arm became extremely itchy that she drew blood from scratching. She was then diagnosed with a severe and contagious ringworm infection, which she picked up at her gym.
For 41-year-old Jamie from Maryland, who loves working out daily, a small rash slowly turned into pus-filled bumps that bubbled up on her arm, and no bug cream could stop it from spreading to her legs and ankles.
After her diagnosis, Jamie’s dermatologist gave her antifungal cream, and was ordered to avoid work, the gym, or even sleeping in the same bed as her husband until the ring-shaped rash was gone. Jamie says she thinks the bout she picked up was when her bare arms touched the pads on an ab crunch machine at a gym.
Jamie says she now makes it a point to clean machines both before and after use and wears a long-sleeved sweatshirt to avoid any kind of skin contact. "My earlier workout outfit was short-sleeved, and my arms were exposed,” she told The Sun. “My doctor said gyms are one of the number one areas for ringworms because they're hot, sweaty, and moist—it's the perfect breeding ground for fungal growth,” Jamie added.
What are ringworms?
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that thrives in warm and humid areas such as locker rooms and public showers. According to experts, this common skin infection gets its name from the red, itchy, ring-shaped skin plaque—a type of scaly rash. It spreads easily and through close contact.
You get ringworm from contact with an infected person, animal, or object.
Doctors say ringworms go by different names depending on which body part they affect. Ringworms on your body are known as tinea corporis, which affect your arms, legs, torso, and face. You can treat ringworm with antifungal medication available either over the counter or as a prescription.
Who gets ringworm?
Doctors say ringworm affects people of all ages, and you are more at risk for the infection, if you:
- Have a weakened immune system or an autoimmune disease like lupus
- Participate in high-contact sports, such as wrestling—this ringworm is called tinea gladiatorum
- Sweat excessively
- Use public locker rooms or public showers
- Work closely with animals that might have ringworm
Ways to protect yourself from the infection
Ringworms thrive in damp and warm areas with the fungus actively living on towels, clothes, sheets, and household surfaces for months. Preventing ringworm involves
- Changing your socks and underwear daily or more frequently if they become damp or soiled
- Showering immediately after contact sports or exercise
- Wearing sandals or shower shoes at the pool and in public locker rooms and showers
- Drying your skin thoroughly after showering, especially between your toes
- Avoiding sharing towels, washcloths, sheets, clothes, combs or other personal hygiene items
- Washing clothes, athletic gear, sheets, and towels in hot water and detergent
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Disinfecting surfaces with bleach or sprays like Lysol
- Treating pets for ringworm, if they are infected
- Washing hands thoroughly after contact with animals
A weak immune system or living in a damp, warm climate increases your risk of a fungal infection.
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