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Teen Boys

Teen Boys : Sports, Gym and Locker Room Gross-Outs

MRSA Skin Sores

Team spirit isn't the only thing that grows in locker rooms. Shared towels and equipment are a haven for bacteria. One type, called MRSA, causes painful, pus-filled sores and can spread from one person to another. MRSA is resistant to many antibiotics and requires special treatment. To protect yourself, avoid sharing towels, razors, uniforms, and other items that touch your skin.

Ringworm

This itchy, scaly patch of skin is not caused by a worm at all. The culprit is a fungus (tinea). Ringworm is contagious, easily spreading through skin-to-skin contact and shared clothing or equipment -- even through pets. Most cases are easy to treat with antifungal creams. On the bright side: you can tell your teammates, "there's a fungus among us."

Jock Itch

When the tinea fungus sets up shop in the groin or inner thighs, it's called jock itch. But the infection doesn't only strike jocks. It typically develops with a lot of sweating and friction. Symptoms include a raised rash with scaly border that may be wet or blistered and itching. It's rarely severe, but can last for months if not treated. Keep the area clean and dry and apply over-the-counter antifungal creams.

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot comes from tinea fungi that thrive on damp locker room floors. Unfortunately, tinea pedis also thrives on feet. It can cause itching, burning, and cracked or scaly skin, especially between the toes. Protect yourself by wearing flip-flops and drying your feet well. Change socks often if your feet sweat a lot. Over-the-counter antifungal cream can usually get rid of athlete's foot.

Cauliflower Ear

Taking a blow to the ear can kill off the blood supply to the cartilage that gives it its firm, round shape. That can cause the outside of the ear to shrivel up and look a bit like your favorite white vegetable - cauliflower. The damage is preventable. Wear a helmet when playing contact sports - it will protect your ears as well as your brain.

Steroid Abuse

You might be tempted to beef up with anabolic steroids - lab-made hormones that boost the body's muscle-building ability. But steroids can wreak havoc on a teenage body. Steroid use has been linked to liver tumors, acne, violent behavior, baldness, and breast growth in teenage guys. What's more, using steroids without a prescription is against the law.

Plantar Warts

Warts are rough bumps on the skin caused by a virus. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet, where the pressure of your body weight usually forces them flat. Pinpoint-sized dark spots in the warts are tiny, damaged blood vessels. Plantar warts can be very painful and may even interfere with walking or running. Over-the-counter products can get rid of warts, but should not be used on the face or groin.

Back Acne

Guys are more likely than girls to get acne on the back. The back has a large number of glands that release sebum, a natural oil that combines with dead skin cells to clog the pores. Sweating a lot or using oily body products can make the problem worse. Try washing the area with mild soap once or twice a day. It there's no improvement, see a dermatologist.

Chafing

Coarse uniforms and gear can rub your skin raw. Although chafing usually doesn't cause serious harm, it can be very irritating. Cut down on friction by using appropriate clothing and padding for your activity - for example, cycling shorts. You can also protect areas that are prone to chafing by coating them with petroleum jelly.

Swimmer's Ear

If the skin lining your ear canal is irritated or oozing a pus-like fluid, swimmer's ear may be to blame. This common infection can arise from prolonged moisture, polluted water, even clearing wax with a cotton swab that scratches the skin. Symptoms include pain, swelling, itching, and hearing loss. Antibiotic ear drops can treat it. Ear plugs and drying the ears well help prevent infection. Drops of alcohol and white vinegar may also discourage nasty ear bacteria.