What is the treatment for a rash caused by contact with a gym mat, and what is the duration of treatment?

From the Guidelines

For a rash from a gym mat, treatment typically involves oral antifungal medications like itraconazole 100mg once daily for 15 days, as it has been shown to be superior to griseofulvin in achieving a mycological cure rate of 87%. This is because gym mat rashes are commonly fungal infections like ringworm (tinea corporis) caused by dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments 1. Some key points to consider in the treatment and prevention of such rashes include:

• Keeping the affected area clean and dry, washing with mild soap and water before medication application.
• Avoiding sharing towels or personal items during treatment.
• Using a barrier like a towel between your skin and gym equipment.
• Showering after workouts.
• Wearing moisture-wicking clothing.
• Avoiding sharing personal items. For severe or widespread rashes, or if the rash doesn't improve within a week of treatment, worsens, or is accompanied by fever or significant pain, seek medical attention as it may require different treatment. It's also important to note that athletes practicing in close quarters are especially vulnerable to skin infections, and proper personal hygiene, regular cleaning of facilities and equipment, and avoidance of sharing personal items are crucial in reducing infectious risk 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor for external anal and genital itching, adults: when practical, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water and rinse thoroughly gently dry by patting or blotting with toilet tissue or a soft cloth before applying apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily children under 12 years of age: ask a doctor

The treatment for a rash from a gym mat is to apply hydrocortisone to the affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older.

• Duration of treatment is not specified in the label.
• For children under 2 years of age and children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to ask a doctor 2

From the Research

Treatment for Rash from Gym Mat

The treatment for a rash from a gym mat is likely to be an antifungal medication, as the rash is often caused by a fungal infection such as tinea pedis.

• The treatment options include:
  • Terbinafine 1% cream, which has been shown to be effective in treating tinea pedis 3
  • Clotrimazole 1% cream, which is also effective but may have a lower cure rate than terbinafine 3
• The duration of treatment varies, but a one-week course of terbinafine 1% cream has been shown to be effective in treating tinea pedis 3
• It's also important to note that some antifungal creams may contain allergenic ingredients, and terbinafine hydrochloride 1% and clotrimazole 1% contain the least number of potential allergenic ingredients 4

Considerations for Treatment

When choosing a treatment, it's essential to consider the potential for allergic reactions to the ingredients in the antifungal cream.

• A study found that propylene glycol, an ingredient in some antifungal creams, is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis 4
• Terbinafine hydrochloride 1% and clotrimazole 1% creams are good options as they contain the least number of potential allergenic ingredients 4
• The mechanism of action of antifungal drugs, including terbinafine, is important to understand when treating fungal infections 5