Doctors Have Disgusting News for Women Who Wear Yoga Pants All the Time

December 2, 2015

There’s bad news for people who opt to wear workout clothes all day, everyday.

Apparently, athleisure, the term for this lifestyle of activewear, may have some nasty side effects that include yeast infections, skin rashes and acne. One New York dermatologist, Dr. Michael Eidelman, spoke with Mic about the many types of skin conditions that can occur as a consequence of wearing clothing that doesn’t allow the skin to breathe.

Workout clothes, such as yoga pants, hold sweat closer to the skin, he explained. The body becomes an ideal breeding environment for bacteria as warmth and moisture become trapped within tight fitting clothing.

A prominent issue among individuals is folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicle that results from tight clothes or chafing, which damages or blocks the follicles. Dr. Elizabeth Hale, a dermatologist and medical professor at New York University, said that for women, folliculitis is often found on the upper backs due to sports bras. Avid bicyclists who take spinning classes have a greater risk of developing folliculitis on their buttocks due to the extended friction from the activity.

Another issue afflicting women are fungus and yeast infections that are caused by wearing moist clothing for too long. Eidelman added that the risk is higher if the woman is taking antibiotics.

Another problem that affects men and women, Eidelman explained, is Tinea cruris, or jock itch, a fungal infection frequently found on the inner thighs, genitals and buttocks.

Still another skin concern to watch out for is intertrigo, a rash that flares up from moist areas in the folds of the body including armpits, inner thighs, butt creases and underboobs.

Lastly, acne can also be a problem in the back and chest areas when workout clothes trap sweat, oil and bacteria.

Have no fear yoga pants wearing people, there are preventative measures that can be taken to avoid these unpleasant issues. Remembering to allow the skin to breathe sure helps. Doctor Eidelman advises wearing moisture-wicking clothing while working out, showering and changing into clean loose-fitting clothing afterwards.

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