A gym-goer in China has gone viral after revealing he developed a fungal infection on his face after allegedly wiping sweat away with his bare hands during a workout, prompting health experts to warn fitness enthusiasts about hygiene risks at public gyms.
The man, identified only by his surname Feng, shared his experience on social media on 27 June, saying he had completed a workout at a gym in Guangdong without wearing training gloves or disinfecting the equipment before use. After exercising, he instinctively wiped the sweat from his face with his hands.
According to Feng, the area around his lips became red, swollen and intensely itchy the following day. After seeking medical treatment, doctors diagnosed him with a facial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes — the same group of fungi responsible for athlete’s foot. He described the experience as “terrifying”, joking online that he had developed “athlete’s foot on his face”.
His post quickly attracted widespread attention, with many netizens sharing similar experiences. Some claimed they developed skin rashes after using gym equipment, while others complained about the hygiene standards of public fitness centres, saying sweat and dead skin cells left on shared equipment could become a breeding ground for germs.
Dermatologists explained that although athlete’s foot is commonly associated with infections on the feet, the fungi responsible can infect almost any part of the body. Warm, humid conditions and direct contact with contaminated surfaces may lead to fungal infections on the hands, body or even the face.
Experts also warned that gym equipment can harbour bacteria and fungi if not properly cleaned. Some reports cited surveys suggesting that pathogenic fungi have been detected on a significant proportion of shared dumbbells in certain gyms, highlighting the importance of good hygiene.
How To Protect Yourself At The Gym
Disinfect Shared Equipment
Clean benches, dumbbells, treadmills and other equipment with alcohol wipes or disinfectant before and after use. Placing a clean towel between your skin and the equipment can also reduce direct contact. Any cuts or open wounds should be covered with waterproof plasters before exercising.
Take Extra Care In Changing Rooms
Changing rooms and shower areas are often warm and damp, making them ideal environments for fungal growth. Wear slippers instead of walking barefoot, dry your feet thoroughly after showering and change out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible.
Practise Good Personal Hygiene
Avoid sharing items such as yoga mats or training gloves. During workouts, try not to touch your eyes, nose, mouth or face with unwashed hands. After finishing your session, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before touching your face or eating.
