A Maryland woman has found herself unexpectedly sidelined from work and everyday activities for several weeks after contracting a severe case of ringworm, a contagious fungal skin infection. The source? Contaminated gym equipment she used during one of her regular workout sessions—without wiping it down first.
Going to the gym is a popular way to stay healthy and fit, but it can also expose people to hidden health risks if proper hygiene isn’t followed. One Maryland woman learned this the hard way after contracting a serious ringworm infection from contaminated gym equipment. Her experience not only impacted her health but also forced her to take time off work. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of cleaning shared equipment and practicing good hygiene in public fitness spaces.
Jamie Samnang, 41, an avid gym-goer and beauty specialist from Silver Spring, Maryland, initially thought she was dealing with something minor. After an intense workout last September, she noticed an itchy patch on her arm. Assuming it was an insect bite, she tried to dismiss it at first. However, the irritation worsened dramatically over the following days. “I thought maybe I’d been bitten by a mosquito,” Jamie recalled. “But as the days went on, it kept getting worse.”
Soon, the spot turned into red, raised bumps filled with pus. Despite her attempts to treat it with over-the-counter creams designed for bug bites, nothing seemed to help. The itching became unbearable. “The itching was so intense and severe that I scratched until I bled,” Jamie said.
What she didn’t realize at the time was that her scratching only made things worse. By touching other parts of her body after scratching the infected area, she inadvertently spread the fungus further. The rash soon appeared on her legs and other areas, leaving her increasingly alarmed and uncomfortable.
Concerned, Jamie visited a dermatologist. The diagnosis left her “shocked and disgusted.” She had developed a widespread case of ringworm, a highly contagious fungal infection often found in environments where heat, moisture, and skin contact are common—such as gyms. “I had no idea that gyms were one of the top places where you could catch ringworm,” she admitted. “It’s hot, sweaty, and moist—apparently the perfect breeding ground for fungus.”
Ringworm, despite its misleading name, doesn’t involve any actual worms. Instead, it presents as an itchy, ring-shaped rash on the skin. According to medical experts like those at the Mayo Clinic, ringworm can spread through skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly via contaminated surfaces and shared personal items. In Jamie’s case, she believes the infection started after she placed her bare arms on gym equipment that hadn’t been sanitized beforehand.
“I didn’t wipe the equipment before or after using it,” she explained, acknowledging the oversight that likely led to her painful experience. “Now I know how important it is.”
Jamie’s condition forced her to take time off work to heal, as she needed both prescription antifungal creams and oral medication to treat the infection. She has since recovered but hopes her story serves as a warning to others. She’s now an advocate for gym hygiene, urging fellow fitness enthusiasts to always wipe down equipment both before and after use. “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone,” she said.
Ringworm is preventable with simple hygiene practices, including regularly washing hands, not sharing personal items like towels, and ensuring gym equipment is thoroughly cleaned. As Jamie’s story illustrates, skipping these small steps can lead to big consequences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jamie Samnang’s painful experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining proper hygiene, especially in communal spaces like gyms. Her story highlights how neglecting simple preventative steps, such as wiping down equipment before and after use, can lead to serious health consequences. Ringworm and other infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making gyms a common hotspot. By practicing good hygiene and remaining vigilant, gym-goers can protect themselves and others from similar situations. Prevention is simple—and far better than treatment.
