Is Re-Wearing an Exercise Too Bad?
- Is It Wrong to Wear Gymnastics?
- Things to Consider
- Potential Side Effects
- When to Wear New Clothes
- Takeaway
If you ever forgot to press start on the washing machine and realized you had that cycling class for half an hour but no new gym clothes, you are not alone. But before you dig up those used clothes without hamper, you should be aware of potential health risks. Various skin conditions can arise from re-clothing due to bacteria, yeast, and mold.
So, how bad is it to re-wear gym clothes, really? We asked dermatologists Caren Campbell and Julie Russak if it was okay to go into a gym that has been used when the need arises and what to consider before doing it. Here are their tips.
Is It Wrong to Wear Gymnastics?
The short answer is yes. "They can incubate the germs that can cause acne and folliculitis," Campbell said.
Russak admits: "From a dermatologist's point of view, I can worry about fungal folliculitis — when the hair follicles become inflamed, caused by a bacterial or fungal infection — when I re-wear sweatpants," he adds.
When you exercise and sweat, your pores open, and dirty clothes can push germs, yeast, and fungus into the skin.
Things to Think About Before You Put It On
You need to consider how much sweat you are actually wearing before you put it on again. For example, if you take part in a very powerful class that has left your bra and leggings wet, it is unwise to wear those clothes again. If you have the option of choosing used clothes that you have used to try to sweat a little, choose those instead.
It depends on what clothes you are considering. "You can also wear non-sweaty gear like a shirt, but sports bras and tight shorts should not be worn again after sweating," Campbell said.
Campbell says it is best to wash them in warm water with a cleanser to kill germs and yeast that can cause infections, irritation, and rash. It is very important to avoid re-wearing work clothes if you have open wounds, cuts, or abrasions. These open areas can become infected if germs in dirty clothes come in contact. Some diseases, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to antibiotics and can cause serious illness.1
Potential Side Effects
The possible side effects of re-wearing gym clothes are a few skin conditions, according to Campbell, such as:
Acne: Caused by the C acnes virus, acne can develop on your chest or back from dirty sports clothes, pushing germs and dead skin cells into your pores and blocking and infecting them.2
Folliculitis: It is caused by staph aureus and other germs on the skin that enter the hair follicle. It can cause small, red bumps that may look like white heads and be painful and itchy.3
Intertrigo: A lot of yeast in the skin in the affected areas. It is an infested area that grows especially in damp areas that are often frozen, breaking the skin.4
Tinea versicolor: A lot of yeast on the skin that looks firm and flexible. You will usually see it on your abdomen, back, and shoulders.5
Yeast can grow especially under your breasts or in the groin area if you re-wear gym clothes. These warm, humid areas are susceptible to germs and yeast growth and can cause recurrent diseases. If you have to re-wear gym clothes, make sure it is not a bra or buttocks.
When to Wear New Clothes
Campbell and Russak recommend washing your gym clothes after each use. In other words, whenever possible, wear new clothes. However, there is a difference: "Also, the top layers or those that have not been wet or wet can be re-applied 2-3 times," Campbell said.
Leaving your clothes in the laundry, especially when there is moisture, can cause all kinds of bad bacteria, yeast, and fungus to grow. It is a good idea to get used to washing your clothes quickly. If you forgot to set up the washing machine and are desperate, try to wash your hands around your skin such as blisters and shorts or leggings in the sink. Then throw them in the oven or hang them in the sun to dry.
“In a drying machine, I use an easy-to-use wool dryer with about 10 drops of lavender essential oil to help soften my clothes and prevent stickiness,” says Russak. Drying balls can help speed up the drying time if you are in a hurry.
Takeaway
The dangers of replaying gymnastics are out of the question. An infection or rash can put you back too uncomfortable to handle it, disrupting your exercise. Instead of picking up clothes in the laundry that you will wear when you chase, wash them by hand or take off an old but clean T-shirt and shorts that may be hidden in your pajama drawer. Try to wash your gym clothes directly after sweating periods to become part of your lifestyle, and you will always have new clothes ready to go.