How to avoid fungi in municipal swimming pools

With heat increases the risk of developing a fungal infection on the skin. Humidity is another factor that aggravates the situation and swimming pools are a perfect place to get infected. Although fungal infections can develop at any time of the year, it is better to try to take preventive measures, but how to avoid fungi in municipal swimming pools?

A fungal infection is a skin disease caused by a fungus, also known as a mycosis.

Types of fungal infection

These are the most common types of fungus that can affect the feet.

1. Tinea Pedis. Also known as “athlete’s foot,” it is one of the most common types. This fungus lives on dead tissue and the most common type of infection is caused by Trichophyton rubrum. It is observed in warm and humid environments such as shoes, socks, public swimming pools, locker rooms and public showers. The signs and symptoms are: peeling, redness, itching, burning, blisters and, sometimes, pain in the affected area. Treatment consists of topical antifungal creams. In the most severe cases, the administration of oral antifungal medications may be necessary, especially if they affect the toenails.

2. Tinea Versicolor. Some people experience a skin condition that can cause a temporary discoloration of the skin making it lighter or darker. This commonly occurs on the chest and upper back, but fungus is everywhere.

How to avoid fungi in municipal swimming pools

You can’t escape them, so here are some tips to help prevent infections avoiding conditions that allow fungi to thrive.

1. uses socks made of natural and absorbent materials. Change them regularly. Dry your feet between your toes after a bath or shower.

two. avoid the tight vinyl and rubber shoes because they retain moisture.

3. Practice a good hygiene washing your hands

4. Do not share towels or clothes.

5. don’t go barefoot by the edge of the pool or on the wet floor. Always wear flip flops.

6. Take a shower before and after each bath, always wearing flip-flops. After each bath and shower, dry your feet well.

7. wear sandals, flip flops or water shoes when you go to public locker rooms, swimming pools or saunas.

8. Be careful with the animals because a fungal infection (ringworm) in a pet can spread to people. Plus, you too can spread ringworm to your pet.

9. If you get a rash and it doesn’t go away in a few weeks, go to your dermatologist to find out the cause of the rash before it spreads.

How to take care of the health of the feet all year round

From the Professional College of Podiatrists of Madrid (COPOMA) they share ten recommendations to maintain the health of the feet:

1. Daily hygiene. Washing our feet every day is key in summer. The ideal is to do it with neutral soap and dry them well, without rubbing abruptly and paying attention to the part between the fingers.

2. Protection and hydration. After hygiene, good hydration should always come. Use sun protection and specific moisturizers when necessary.

3. Good hydration also inside. Drinking at least 1.5L of water a day is essential for both our skin and our general health.

4. Avoid going barefoot on certain surfaces. In summer we usually love to walk barefoot, but we should not abuse this practice, because the lack of protection and an extra effort of our muscles can cause certain injuries.

5. Adapt footwear to each situation. On certain surfaces, such as swimming pools, it is necessary to walk protected and use specific footwear. However, we cannot abuse these shoes, such as flip-flops, in other circumstances in which they are not necessary.

6. Use good footwear. This is one of the most important questions. Ideally, it should be a breathable shoe, made of natural materials, that is fastened to the foot and that the sole is one or two centimeters higher at the heel than at the front. It is also recommended that it be flexible.

7. Natural materials for skin contact. As far as possible, both our footwear and our socks should be made of natural fibers. First of all, we must avoid plastics and rubbers that can damage our skin and cause injuries.

8. Prevention in sports practices. Before practicing any sport, you have to warm up, stretch and wear the correct footwear to avoid chafing and injuries. Especially if we are not used to this practice.

9. Nail care. Summer is a very prone time for the proliferation of fungi and other infections. Therefore, permanent and poor quality enamels should be avoided, as well as wearing them for more than 15 days in a row. In addition, the nails must be cut with certain frequency and with a straight cut, to avoid nailing.

10. Visit the podiatrist. Going to a consultation at least once a year is key to having a personalized diagnosis to avoid both present and future problems.