I was skiing in Colorado a few years ago when a crusty scab appeared along my nose. I thought it was a weird case of acne. But the eruptions became more severe when the temperature dropped, so I sought help. The diagnosis? A skin disorder called rosacea.
Fitness enthusiasts are especially prone to such skin conditions. Not only do we spend time braving skin-aggravating elements, but our activities cause heat and friction. Plus, close contact with other individuals increases our likelihood of picking up infections, says Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis.
When skin conditions strike, they often have a significant impact on fitness programs. “They can cause enough embarrassment that people refuse to go to the gym,” Crutchfield says, adding that the stress related to visible skin conditions can also trigger unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating. In other cases, fitness enthusiasts persist in their health routines but endure significant discomfort as a result. Still, it’s crucial to seek help if a skin condition is causing itching, pain, discomfort or emotional stress, or if you suspect it might be infectious. Here’s some advice from Crutchfield and Christina G. Steil, MD, a dermatologist in Hinsdale, Illinois on how to battle eight common skin conditions.
* * * Symptoms]* * * Contagious: No.
* * * Triggers]* * * Treatment options: Oral medications, both antibiotic and anti-inflammatories, and other oral retinoid-based products. Recent clinical studies of treatments featuring turmeric and zinc gluconate nutritional supplements show promise.
* * * Other ways to overcome]
4. Athlete’s Foot
* * * Symptoms]* * * Contagious: Yes.
* * * Triggers]* * * Treatment options: For mild conditions, over-the-counter or prescription antifungal ointments, lotions, powders and sprays are available. If the infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe oral medication or a stronger topical antifungal cream.
* * * Other ways to overcome] 5. Plantar Warts
* * * Symptoms]* * * Contagious: Yes.
* * * Triggers]* * * Treatment options: Over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid, either in liquid formulation or through bandages. Dermatologists can freeze warts off with liquid nitrogen, remove them with a laser, inject medications into them or apply topical products to stimulate the immune system.
* * * Other ways to overcome] 6. Eczema
* * * Symptoms]* * * Contagious: No.
* * * Triggers]* * * Treatment options: Regular fragrance-free lotions and creams (e.g., Cetaphil, Aveeno and Lubriderm) help moisturize and heal the skin, while cold compresses and antihistamines can relieve itching. If the condition doesn’t improve, nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments are available. Prescription corticosteroid creams and ointments or oral corticosteroids may be necessary. Untreated eczema may lead to a staph superinfection, which may require topical or oral antibiotics.
* * * Other ways to overcome] 7. Bacterial Folliculitis
* * * Symptoms]* * * Contagious: Yes.
* * * Triggers]* * * Treatment options: You might have to avoid the gym for a while, as this superficial bacterial infection is usually spread by direct contact. See a doctor to have one of the bumps cultured. Treatment will depend on the type of bacteria but could include antibacterial lotions, medicated cleansers or oral antibiotics.
* * * Other ways to overcome] 8. Impetigo
* * * Symptoms]* * * Contagious: Yes.
* * * Triggers]* * * Treatment options: Topical or oral antibiotics.
* * * Other ways to overcome]
An Integrated Approach
Proper nutrition and regular exercise aren’t just good for maintaining general health and fitness—they’re also crucial for your skin.
Take, for instance, eczema, acne, and rosacea, all of which can be exacerbated by inflammatory reactions to dairy, gluten, or sugar. Even if you don’t have a full-blown allergy or intolerance, consider minimizing your intake of trans fats and refined sugars and flours (all of which are known to increase inflammation in the body) and load up on antioxidant-rich, alkaline-forming foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, all of which help to reduce inflammation and rev up the body’s self-healing capacities.
You might also consider taking a daily probiotic supplement—especially if you’re treating your skin woes with antibiotic medications. Getting 30 to 50 billion organisms a day through probiotic supplements or foods like yogurt can maintain skin health by keeping the immune system in balance.
Reply With Quote