MRSA

Realizing this could help someone else, I am going to share some rather personal information in this post. If you are not up for that, or if you have no interest in the title topic, please spare me some dignity and stop reading! But now that I've piqued your interest... :)

Last winter I didn't get much road riding in, but I would spin at the gym 2-3 times a week. In January I developed a fairly large cyst on my rear end, and by March I had had several more occurrences. They got worse each time, and I was getting very frustrated as well as alarmed. These cysts were very tender, deep, and painful, a real nuisance.

The only thing I could think of was that they were saddle sores. I was friends with a local bike shop owner, an excellent cyclist himself, and he always said not to be shy or embarassed when it came to cycling issues. So I called him, and based on my description, he agreed I could be dealing with saddle sores. The only thing I was doing differently was spinning at the gym, so he thought maybe bike fit was the issue. There's not a lot of leeway for adjusting a spin bike; I really couldn't optimize that fit any more.

While I was frustrated and concerned (and a little embarassed), what happened next made me realize how serious this was. I developed a cyst that progressively grew to a mass larger than the size of my fist; I could barely walk, and sitting was impossible due to the pain. I also developed a hellacious headache and fever (unfortunately over a weekend), and by Monday morning my temperature was over 103 degrees. My family physician (the awesome Dr. Vahabzadeh, or Dr. V, as he's affectionately known), got me in right away. After my exam and listening to my history and symptoms, he said it was classic MRSA (something I was aware of, but had not contemplated). So not saddle sores related to incorrect fit, but definitely linked to spinning at the gym.

After a one week regimen of stout antibiotics and epsome salt soaks, the worst was over. Suffice it to say, it was incredibly painful and unpleasant. My instructions were to take the antibiotics, and on the 5th day clean all kitchen and bathroom surfaces with a clorox\water mix. I indiscriminately washed all my exercise gear, undergarments, and bedding with clorox (only ruining two pairs of shorts). Because this bacteria lives and breeds in the nose, there was also a nasal swab of antibacterial ointment once a day for three days for everyone in the family. After the initial treatment of one week, I remained feeling fatigued and lethargic for a few weeks. It took me a month to completely recover.

Gyms are notorious for being contaminated with MRSA. The bacteria is transmitted from person to person via surface contamination of the equipment. MRSA thrives in moist warm conditions, so growth in the groin, buttocks, and underarm area is stimulated by exercise. Spinning can be a particular culprit in an infection because the workout is usually vigorous. Hot spots and micro-tears can occur on the surface of the skin (not something you would be aware of), and these provide an invasion point for the bacteria. Also, close or smooth shaving in the groin and pubic area (as many females and cyclists do) open and abrase the hair follicle, allowing the bacteria to enter.

This is not an issue of hygiene; normal soap and water does not kill MRSA on the skin, and it could be in your nose. I have not had an outbreak since last spring, but I have been hypervigilant about the gym. I found success with the following: 1) Clean all equipment thoroughly before using. I spray down the bikes (handlebars, dial, and seat), and leave the cleaner on as long as possible before wiping down. The cleaning bottle actually says to leave on for 10 minutes to kill MRSA. 2) If you shave any of the susceptible areas, do not close shave or use triple blades. Use a single blade, and take one or two swipes, or use a good electric razor if you have issues with razor rash. 3) Do not shower at the gym. The gym I go to has antibacterial soap in the hand dispensers, but not in the showers. Needless to say, showers also provide the warm moist conditions conducive to the spread of bacteria. 4) I wash my hands thoroughly on my way out of the gym, and shower immediately at home. First I use Dial Complete antibacterial foam soap (which has the highest concentration of Triclosan) on all vulnerable areas, and then wash with bar soap as I normally would.

The last time I saw Dr. V, he jokingly asked, "You don't have another bump on your ass do you?!?!" How funny... NO!!! I have been spinning and lifting at the gym quite a bit the last few months; I hope I haven't jinxed myself with this post! (I'd cry.)