Fungal infections are quite common among the general population. Athlete’s foot, ringworm, yeast infections, and jock itch are just some of the fungal infections you may suffer. But what if you are an athlete? Are athletes more likely to have fungal infections?
In this article, we discuss what fungal infections athletes are prone to, as well as answer the questions are athletes more likely to have fungal infections.
Where Do Fungal Infections Thrive?
Before examining this issue, we need to remember where fungal infections are likely to thrive. Fungi love moist, warm places hence the prevalence of yeast infections, athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch in the relevant areas of the body. Think about it; fungal infections are more likely to develop in tight-fitting clothing and the presence of heat and moisture.
As athletes, soccer and basketball players, runners and swimmer, in particular, go about their training and competition regime, they provide optimal growth areas for fungal infections.
As a result, the question if athletes more likely to have fungal infections must get an affirmative answer. This is because fungal infections love the moisture and heat in running shoes as well as in all other moisture and heat-prone body areas.
What Type of Fungal Infections Are Athletes Likely to Get?
The following fungal infections are more common among athletes than among non-athletes:
- Athlete’s foot
- Ringworm
- Athlete’s toe
- Fungal nail infections
- Dermatophytic
- Yeast infection
Final Thoughts
If you are an athlete, discuss preventative measures with your physician. In general, doctors recommend keeping fungal infection-prone areas clean and dry, as well as frequently changing clothing.
So, now you know the ins and out of are athletes more likely to have fungal infections, you can go on to do everything you can to prevent them from occurring.
