Skin solutions: if your workouts have made your skin less than flawless, try these simple remedies

Blisters, rashes, acne, warts. Yuck! After all the time spent sculpting your muscles, the last thing you want is an embarrassing skin ailment that will make you want to keep covered up. Yet the very nature of the gym environment lends itself to breeding or aggravating skin maladies. Heat, humidity sweat, tight-fitting clothes and shared gym equipment can all add up to a recipe for skin disaster Fortunately, you can take precautions to protect your epidermis.

In this guide to common dermatologic problems that can either be caused or aggravated by gym exercise, four dermatologists offer preventive strategies and typical treatments, If you think you have any of these conditions, consult your physician before treating them on your own with over-the-counter medication. Knowing how to keep your skin healthy will give you the confidence to show off as much of your physique as you like. . . and the beauty you've won in the gym will be more than skin deep.

problem dark spots

Some people develop dark patches on the back where the skin rubs against the bench when lifting weights. "They get an abrasive area on the back from rubbing on the bench, causing a thickening and darkening of the skin," explains Milton Moore, MD, a dermatologist and laser surgeon in Houston.

PREVENTIVE STRATEGY: Moore suggests smoothing a lotion such as Lubriderm on the affected area before the workout begins. This extra lubrication will help prevent the abrasion from getting started or an existing spot From becoming worse.

TREATMENT: Using a lotion on the affected area will help the skin soften and lighten up. You should also try to prevent the friction that causes the dark patch. "The more you rub it, the darker it's going to get, Moore points out.

problem athlete's foot

If you're going to catch something in the gym, it will most likely be a fungal infection. Fungi are tiny organisms that like moist environments, especially shower, pool and Jacuzzi areas. In some gyms, locker-room floors become damp, too.

"Probably the one thing you have to worry about is picking up fungus from showers and the locker-room floors." explains sports dermatologist Brian Adams, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and medical adviser to Runner's World magazine. "The reason that people who are working out are more susceptible is that after they work out their skin is super wet." he says. "It allows the fungus to get into the feet more easily."

PREVENTIVE STRATEGY: The most common fungal infection is athlete's foot. Wear dry, clean socks every time you work out, since the dark, moist interior of shoes is a perfect environment for fungal growth. In the shower, spa area and locker room, don't go barefoot. Wear rubber-soled shower shoes or nonslip thongs to prevent direct contact with wet surfaces. Use an antifungal powder in your socks to help absorb excess moisture.

problem red bumps

Do you dread being seen in a swimsuit because of red bumps on your glutes and legs? You may be suffering from a condition known as folliculitis, which is caused by Pseudomonas bacteria in hot tubs and whirlpool baths.

"When the [gymj doesn't adequately keep up the bleaching agents in the water, bacteria can grow." explains Moore. These bacteria can get pushed into the hair follicles of the skin that has been submerged in water, causing the follicles to get infected. The most common signs of folliculitis are red bumps and pustules on the glutes and leg area.

PREVENTIVE STRATEGY: After spending time in the spa, wash with an antibacterial soap, such as Dial, Safeguard or Lever 2000. Moore recommends. Regardless of how thorough your shower is. however, if bacteria have already worked themselves into the hair follicles, red bumps may appear.

TREATMENT Although the bumps may get very red and irritated. Moore says folliculitis usually clears up on its own after one or two weeks if left alone. Using a topical antibiotic cream can shorten the healing time. An over-the-counter antibacterial spray or Neosporin cream should also help. A stubborn case of folliculitis may require oral antibiotics.

"The one I recommend is Zabsorbase-AF powder," notes Farnaz Gaminchi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in West Hills, California. The powder can also be used under the arms (over deodorant) or in the groin area, two other spots where fungus can grow, she states.

TREATMENT: Athlete's foot shows up as dryness all over the feet or a wet appearance between the toes, Gaminchi adds. Although over-the-counter topical antifungal creams are available, it's best to consult a doctor before self-treating an infection. Because there are different types of fungi, not all creams work for all infections. "Sometimes the over-the-counter cream has a limited coverage, so you actually do need a prescription." remarks Gaminchi. "Sometimes you need a mild steroid to decrease the redness in the inflammation in the skin." It's important to follow the doctor's instructions and the directions on the tube of cream, since ending treatment too soon can lead to a recurrent infection.