Picture this: you’re smashing out your workout at the gym, feeling great, and weeks later, you’re losing clumps of hair. That’s precisely what happened to a TikTok user whose scalp ringworm nightmare went viral, racking up nearly half a million views and sending shockwaves through the fitness world.
The culprit? Dirty gym equipment. Her story is gross but not unique — ringworm (a fungal infection) loves warm, sweaty surfaces. And gyms? They’re a paradise for fungi and bacteria if people don’t clean up after themselves.
Dermatologists are now raising the alarm: basic hygiene steps at the gym aren’t optional, they’re essential. So if you love your gains and your scalp, here’s what you should do:
- Bring your own gear. A clean towel or yoga mat can be your first line of defense. Use it as a barrier on benches, machines, or floors.
- Wipe. Everything. Down. Before and after you use any equipment, wipe it with disinfectant — and not just a half-hearted swipe. Let it air-dry for a few seconds to kill germs.
- Don’t share personal items. Towels, hats, water bottles — keep them to yourself. Sharing sweat equals sharing germs.
- Shower, stat. Try to shower as soon as you can after a workout. Fungi thrive in damp clothes, so don’t lounge around in sweaty gear.
- Watch for signs. Scalp ringworm can start as an itchy spot or patchy hair loss. Athlete’s foot, jock itch — they’re all in the same fungus family. Treat it early and see a doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Truth? Gyms are fantastic for building strength — just don’t let them wreck your skin, scalp, or health. A few extra minutes with a disinfectant wipe could save you months of regret.