Whether you hit the gym or train with a team, as an athlete your only worry should concern physical performance — not problems with your skin. Unfortunately, many people find that skin irritations accompany athletic activity. But with less than a little sweat, you can learn how to go head to head with these common concerns and win!
1. Skin infections
The concern: Excessive sweating can produce a plethora of problems for your skin. Prolonged periods of wetness create the ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, fungi and other potential problem-causing microorganisms.
These pesky little creatures cause one of the most common problems: jock itch. Triggered by a microscopic fungus, jock itch is nothing to laugh about and can occur in both men and women in the groin, thigh or anal area.
How do you know if you’ve got jock itch? Watch out for these common symptoms, according to KidsHealth: red, raised rash; itching; chafing; burning.
Prevent it:
- Practice good hygiene by showering daily and after athletic activities.
- Make sure to towel dry the area thoroughly.
- Prevent excess moisture around the area by applying powder.
Combat it:
- After washing the infected area, use a separate towel from the rest of your body to dry the area.
- If problems persist, try an over-the-counter antifungal cream, spray or powder.
- If you have athlete’s foot, apply the appropriate treatment, so it doesn’t extend to other areas.
- Still have symptoms? Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
2. Blisters
The concern: It’s amazing how a skin irritation as small as a blister can cause such intense pain and discomfort. Blisters are small pockets full of fluid that occur within the upper layers of the skin from excessive rubbing against shoes or other athletic equipment.
Coupled with perspiration, these tiny irritations are painful when popped and may even impair an athlete’s performance.
Prevent it:
- If you’re a cyclist, paddler or baseball player, always wear gloves during prolonged periods of activity.
- Are you doing a great deal of running, walking or peddling? Wear socks made of synthetic or acrylic fibers.
- When breaking in new shoes apply petroleum jelly or put a bandage on areas that rub.
- To prevent bunching, wear socks with heels rather than tube socks.
Combat it:
- One option is to leave the blister alone: apply antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage.
- Another option is to pop the blister: disinfect the area of skin around the blister by washing it with soap and water and then applying rubbing alcohol.
- Sterilize a sharp needle with rubbing alcohol.
- After piercing the blister, leave any excess skin around it and monitor the area closely for infections.
- Use an antibiotic ointment on the blister and cover with a bandage.
- If the fluid appears white or yellow, it may be sign of infection, so see your doctor.
3. Body acne
The concern: Body acne, particularly on the back, affects athletes of all ages. Blame outbreaks on sweat, heat and friction. In fact, football players who wear heavy pads close to the skin and cyclists who sport spandex commonly struggle with increased occurrences of body acne.
These types of tight-fitting apparel trap oil and impurities near the skin, spurring unsightly and uncomfortable outbreaks.
Prevent it:
- Always layer clean cotton or dry-fit clothing beneath a uniform.
- Clean any affected areas following athletic activity.
- Apply acne medications containing acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and resorcinol.
Combat it:
- Treat the infected area with an over-the-counter cleanser or acne medication.
- To start, use a gently medicated body wash. Try Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash, which includes a small dose of salicylic acid to safely battle blemishes without over-drying or irritating the skin.
- When tackling small breakouts, try an on-the-spot acne treatment. Neutrogena offers an affordable and effective spot treatment that targets blemishes by killing bacteria deep within pores.
Top 3 picks for an athlete’s arsenal
- Prevent and treat athlete’s foot, relieve itching, overcome odor and soften feet with NeoCeuticals Antifungal Problem Daily Foot Care Therapeutic Cream.
- Slough off dead, dry skin cells and diminish blemishes with Kamins Hydrating Acne Wash, a powerful, yet gentle, combination of lactic and glycolic acids that doesn’t dry out your skin.
See also:
A Guy’s Guide to Getting Rid of Acne
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)