A doctor shared a cautionary tale about a case where an individual contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) after using a sweat-soaked towel at the gym.
On Sunday, a British emergency medicine specialist, Dr. Joe Whittington, posted an Instagram video titled “Chances are someone has sweated on the seat you put your gym towel [on], [you] wiped your face and [got] pink eye.”
In the video, he explained that an anonymous patient had wiped their eyes with a towel previously used by someone else at the gym. The patient’s eyes turned red, and pus started oozing. Tests revealed that the patient was infected with chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Dr. Whittington clarified that chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. However, he noted that it can also be spread by using a towel contaminated with the sweat of an infected person.
When asked whether chlamydia can be contracted through gym equipment, Dr. Whittington responded that the chances of transmission through equipment are extremely low because bacteria thrive in different environments.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms in men may include abnormal discharge from the penis and swollen testicles. Women may experience pain during intercourse, bleeding outside of menstruation, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
If bodily fluids from an infected person come into contact with the eyes, chlamydial conjunctivitis can develop. Symptoms include increased eye discharge, redness, and swelling of the eyelids. Without prompt treatment, the condition can lead to vision loss.
The incubation period for chlamydial conjunctivitis is 1 to 2 weeks. If left untreated, the infection can persist for up to 18 months. Though rare, the infection can also spread from eye to eye if contaminated mascara is shared.
Chlamydia infections are treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline. For pregnant women and newborns, erythromycin is administered. Both the infected individual and their sexual partner must undergo treatment and avoid sexual contact for at least one week after completing the treatment.
If untreated, chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, prostatitis, and infertility in men. In women, it can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes and uterus, increasing the risk of infertility.
Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial in managing chlamydia. The use of protective measures such as condoms can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
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