Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about protecting your skin from summer hazards. It’s not just the sun you may have to worry about. The heat can affect your skin, too. Warm, moist conditions from sweaty workout gear provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Dr. R. Doug Hardy, an infectious diseases specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says gyms are potential hotbeds for infection as sweaty people share equipment. Bacteria can get into the body through any kind of open wound from contact with contaminated surfaces. To protect yourself, use a clean towel as a barrier between you and the surface, wipe down surfaces before and after exercise, and wash your hands after exercise. You can also keep your skin healthy by changing out of workout clothes and showering soon after exercise.
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August 2007
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