How do swimming pools contribute to yeast infections. What are the most effective ways to prevent yeast infections from swimming. Can chlorine in pools cause vaginal irritation. How quickly should you change out of a wet swimsuit. What are the best treatments for pool-induced yeast infections.

Understanding Yeast Infections: Causes and Risk Factors

Yeast infections, medically known as vaginal candidiasis, are a common issue affecting millions of women worldwide. These infections occur when there’s an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a naturally occurring fungus in the vaginal area. While yeast infections can happen at any time, they’re particularly prevalent during summer months, especially among swimmers.

Why are swimmers at higher risk? The answer lies in the perfect storm of conditions created by swimming and post-swim activities:

• Prolonged exposure to moisture
• Chemical irritants in pool water
• Sitting in wet swimwear
• Heat and humidity

These factors can disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal flora, creating an environment where yeast can thrive unchecked.

The Swimming Pool-Yeast Infection Connection

Swimming pools, while offering a refreshing escape from summer heat, can inadvertently become breeding grounds for yeast infections. The combination of chlorine, which can alter the vaginal pH, and prolonged moisture exposure creates ideal conditions for Candida growth.

Is chlorine the main culprit in pool-related yeast infections? While chlorine can indeed cause irritation to sensitive vaginal tissues, it’s not the sole factor. The real issue lies in the prolonged moisture exposure and the potential for bacteria to thrive in wet swimwear.

Impact of Pool Chemicals on Vaginal Health

Pool chemicals, particularly chlorine, can have several effects on vaginal health:

1. Altering vaginal pH levels
2. Irritating sensitive tissues
3. Disrupting the balance of beneficial bacteria

These effects can make the vaginal environment more susceptible to yeast overgrowth, potentially leading to infection.

Recognizing Symptoms of a Pool-Induced Yeast Infection

Identifying a yeast infection early is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Intense itching in the vaginal area
• Burning sensation, especially during urination
• Redness and swelling of the vulva
• Thick, white, odorless discharge

Are these symptoms always indicative of a yeast infection? Not necessarily. Similar symptoms can be caused by other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis, especially if it’s your first infection or if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatment.

Preventive Measures for Swimmers

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to yeast infections. For avid swimmers, implementing a few simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing a pool-induced yeast infection:

1. Change out of wet swimwear immediately after swimming
2. Rinse off chlorine and other pool chemicals with fresh water
3. Dry the genital area thoroughly
4. Wear breathable, moisture-wicking underwear
5. Avoid sitting in wet clothes for extended periods

How quickly should you change out of a wet swimsuit? Ideally, you should change into dry clothes within 15-30 minutes after leaving the water. This simple step can dramatically reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection.

Proper Swimwear Care

Proper care of your swimwear can also play a role in preventing yeast infections:

• Wash swimsuits after each use
• Use a mild, unscented detergent
• Ensure swimwear is completely dry before wearing again

By following these practices, you can minimize the risk of bacteria and fungi growing on your swimwear between uses.

Natural Remedies for Yeast Infection Prevention

While medical interventions are often necessary for treating yeast infections, some natural remedies may help prevent their occurrence:

• Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements can help maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora
• Garlic: Known for its antifungal properties, garlic may help prevent yeast overgrowth
• Tea tree oil: When diluted properly, tea tree oil can be used as a topical antifungal agent
• Coconut oil: Its antifungal properties may help combat yeast growth

Can these natural remedies replace medical treatment? While these natural approaches may offer some preventive benefits, they should not be used as a substitute for proper medical care. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Yeast Infections

For those who develop a yeast infection despite preventive measures, several over-the-counter treatments are available:

1. Miconazole (Monistat)
2. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
3. Tioconazole (Vagistat)

These antifungal medications come in various forms, including creams, suppositories, and oral tablets. While generally effective, it’s important to complete the full course of treatment as directed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

How long does it typically take for over-the-counter treatments to work? Most women experience relief from symptoms within a few days of starting treatment, but it’s important to continue using the medication for the full recommended duration, usually 1-7 days, depending on the specific product.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications, there are instances when professional medical care is necessary:

• If it’s your first yeast infection
• If symptoms persist after completing over-the-counter treatment
• If you experience frequent recurrences
• If you’re pregnant
• If you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or HIV

In these cases, a healthcare provider can offer a definitive diagnosis and prescribe stronger, prescription-strength medications if needed.

Maintaining Vaginal Health Beyond the Pool

While swimming-related factors can contribute to yeast infections, maintaining overall vaginal health is crucial for prevention. Here are some general tips for promoting vaginal health:

• Wear breathable, cotton underwear
• Avoid douching or using scented feminine hygiene products
• Practice proper wiping technique (front to back)
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in probiotics
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress levels

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment, reducing your risk of yeast infections both in and out of the pool.

The Role of Diet in Yeast Infection Prevention

Your diet can play a significant role in preventing yeast infections. Consider incorporating the following into your meal plan:

1. Probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut)
2. Foods high in vitamin C (citrus fruits, bell peppers)
3. Garlic and onions (natural antifungal properties)
4. Green vegetables (boost immune function)

Conversely, limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates can help prevent yeast overgrowth, as these foods can feed the Candida fungus.

Understanding the Impact of Hormones on Yeast Infections

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence the likelihood of developing a yeast infection. Certain phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and hormonal contraceptives can all affect vaginal pH and the balance of vaginal flora.

How do hormones influence yeast infection risk? Estrogen, in particular, can promote the growth of Candida. This is why yeast infections are more common during pregnancy, when using hormonal birth control, or during certain phases of the menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are higher.

Menstrual Cycle and Yeast Infections

The relationship between the menstrual cycle and yeast infections is complex:

• Just before menstruation: Increased risk due to higher estrogen levels
• During menstruation: Lower risk due to the flushing effect of menstrual flow
• After menstruation: Potentially higher risk as the vaginal environment rebalances

Understanding these patterns can help you be more vigilant about prevention during high-risk times, especially if you’re also engaging in activities like swimming that may increase your risk.

The Psychological Impact of Recurrent Yeast Infections

While yeast infections are primarily a physical health issue, the psychological impact of recurrent infections shouldn’t be overlooked. Many women report feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and even anxiety or depression related to chronic yeast infections.

How can you cope with the emotional toll of recurrent yeast infections? Consider the following strategies:

1. Educate yourself about the condition to reduce anxiety
2. Join support groups or online communities
3. Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
4. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns
5. Consider speaking with a mental health professional if the impact is significant

Remember, yeast infections are a common health issue and nothing to be ashamed of. Seeking support and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team can help you manage both the physical and emotional aspects of recurrent infections.

Innovations in Yeast Infection Prevention and Treatment

As medical research continues to advance, new approaches to preventing and treating yeast infections are emerging. Some promising areas of innovation include:

• Probiotic suppositories for maintaining vaginal flora balance
• Novel antifungal compounds with fewer side effects
• Personalized treatment approaches based on individual microbiome profiles
• Improved diagnostic tools for faster, more accurate detection

While many of these innovations are still in development or early stages of use, they offer hope for more effective management of yeast infections in the future.

The Future of Yeast Infection Prevention

Looking ahead, what might the future hold for yeast infection prevention, particularly for swimmers? Some potential developments include:

1. Advanced swimwear fabrics with built-in antimicrobial properties
2. Improved pool water treatment systems that are less disruptive to vaginal health
3. Personalized probiotic formulations tailored to individual microbiome needs
4. Wearable technology for monitoring vaginal pH and early detection of imbalances

While these ideas are speculative, they represent the kind of innovative thinking that could revolutionize yeast infection prevention in the coming years.

Debunking Common Myths About Yeast Infections

Misinformation about yeast infections is widespread, leading to confusion and potentially harmful practices. Let’s address some common myths:

• Myth: Yeast infections are sexually transmitted
• Fact: While yeast infections can be passed between sexual partners, they are not considered a sexually transmitted infection

• Myth: Only women get yeast infections
• Fact: Men can also develop yeast infections, although it’s less common

• Myth: Eating yogurt cures yeast infections
• Fact: While probiotics in yogurt may help prevent infections, they are not a cure for active infections

• Myth: Douching prevents yeast infections
• Fact: Douching can actually increase the risk of yeast infections by disrupting the natural vaginal flora

By dispelling these myths, we can promote better understanding and more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Information

In an age of abundant online information, it’s crucial to rely on evidence-based sources when seeking information about yeast infections. Trustworthy sources include:

1. Peer-reviewed medical journals
2. Reputable health organizations (e.g., WHO, CDC)
3. Certified healthcare providers

Always be cautious of anecdotal evidence or miracle cures promoted on social media or non-medical websites.

Empowering Swimmers: Knowledge is Key

Understanding the relationship between swimming and yeast infections empowers swimmers to enjoy their favorite activity while minimizing health risks. By implementing preventive measures, recognizing early symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment when necessary, swimmers can maintain optimal vaginal health throughout the swimming season and beyond.

How can swimmers stay informed about the latest developments in yeast infection prevention? Consider the following strategies:

• Regular check-ups with a gynecologist or primary care physician
• Subscribing to reputable health newsletters
• Participating in women’s health forums or support groups
• Attending health education seminars or webinars

Remember, your health is your most valuable asset. By staying informed and proactive, you can enjoy the many benefits of swimming while keeping yeast infections at bay.

The Role of Community Education

Community education plays a crucial role in promoting vaginal health and preventing yeast infections. Some ways to foster community awareness include:

1. Organizing health fairs with information booths on women’s health
2. Encouraging swimming facilities to provide educational materials on pool hygiene
3. Promoting open dialogue about vaginal health in schools and community centers
4. Supporting local health initiatives focused on women’s wellness

By fostering a community that’s informed and supportive, we can create an environment where women feel empowered to take charge of their vaginal health.

How to prevent yeast infections caused by swimming

SUMMER VAGINAL INFECTIONS

The vaginal yeast infection, commonly called a “fungal infection, is generally not serious and is caused by an imbalance of what is referred to as the “vaginal flora”.

The balance of the vaginal environment may be disrupted by various factors inherent to the summer season, including swimming, heat and humidity. This imbalance leads to the proliferation of fungi called Candida albicans, which is often at the root of vaginal yeast infections.

It can be difficult to differentiate between the various types of vaginal infections. For example, a yeast infection is often confused with an infection called bacterial vaginosis, which also counts swimming, heat and humidity among its risk factors. It is crucial to obtain a medical diagnosis before drawing conclusions, as treatment methods differ for each.

SWIMMING AS A RISK FACTOR

What fun it is to swim in a lake, the sea, in a pool or spa and then to relax while the sun and wind dry our skin and bathing suit under the golden rays. However, this can promote the onset of a vaginal infection.

Extended contact of the mucous membrane with a warm and moist environment, which results from wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time as well as friction from the fabric, is added to contact with certain chemicals that may be found in bathing water. Chlorine, among others, is known to be an irritating chemical. The combination of various factors is most likely the reason why swimming is a well-known risk factor for vaginal infections

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Preventing vaginal yeast infections starts with adequate hygiene. Warm water, mild soap and gentle cleansing are required. One daily cleansing is sufficient. Specially formulated pH balanced cleansers for the genital area are available at the pharmacy.

• Here are a few tips intended to reduce the risk of a vaginal infection after swimming:
• Dry the genital area with a towel after swimming without vigorous rubbing.
• Do not wear your wet bathing suit for long periods of time.
• Change out of your wet bathing suit right after going for a swim and put on dry clean underwear.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Opt for cool and dry places.

Do not use superfluous products such as vaginal douches and powders. These products hold no benefits from a prevention perspective. On the contrary, they can promote an imbalance of the vaginal flora.

TREATMENTS

There are a number of effective over-the-counter medications available to treat vaginal yeast infections. These antifungal agents come in different formats: suppositories or pessaries, creams or oral tablet. Some can be found directly on the shelf, while others are kept behind the pharmacy counter and require a consultation with the pharmacist. It is always preferable to speak to a pharmacist before starting any treatment.

Additionally, do not begin treatment on your own unless you have previously been diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection by a doctor and recognize the typical symptoms. It could be a different health problem.

Swimming and Yeast Infections | Signature OB/GYN

Swimming and Yeast Infections

Swimming is a wonderful way to exercise, relieve stress, practice less strenuous physical therapy, and many other benefits. Especially in the summer, we use swimming not only as a way to cool down, but also as the primary relaxation technique. After all, what is summertime without imagining ourselves by a pool or by the ocean?

We are already deep into the summer season, so our bodies have most likely been deep into pools, fresh water, or the sea. Along with the many positive effects that swimming can have on our physical and mental health, there are some elements that pose a threat to female hygiene and vaginal health: the widely dreaded yeast infections.

How are they caused?

Yeast infections are, essentially, fungal infections that cause irritation and discharge, as well as extreme itchiness. They thrive in conditions that help fungi develop: water with bacteria, or water with chemicals, as well as lounging in our swimsuits after swimming—innocently drying off in the sun while giving bacteria ample space to thrive.

How do we prevent them?

Currently over 138 million women suffer from recurrent candid, another name for yeast infections, so sound advice and safe habits can go a long way in preventing swim-induced infections.

1. Immediately rinse off in a shower after swimming and change into dry swimsuit bottoms or fresh underwear. This drastically reduces the risk of bacterial development.
2. Wash your swimwear when you get home. Use dye-free or sensitive laundry detergent, or if unavailable, rinse thoroughly with fresh water for several minutes. Hang your swimsuit up to dry completely before using it again.
3. Reduce or eliminate your exposure to chlorinated water, especially in a hot water environment like a hot tub. This is a more drastic measure meant for those of us who are very prone to UTIs and candida, are pregnant, on antibiotic or certain medications, have diabetes, or a weakened immune system that may lead to yeast infections developing more easily.
4. Keep your body hydrated with clean drinking water to assist your bladder in flushing out the bad bacteria and keeping the good bacteria. Remember that the female vagina is almost like a self-cleaning oven, and you can assist it in keeping itself healthy. Eating probiotic foods or taking liquid probiotic supplements, as well as reducing our intake of alcohol and sugary foods can also fortify vaginal pH balance.

What are some symptoms?

• If you experience increased frequent need to urinate, painful urination, chills, burning urination or even lower back aches, you may have developed a urinary tract infection as well.
• Increased discharge that potentially smells stronger and is gray colored, along with vaginal itching, tenderness and/or swelling are all signs of yeast infections.

As always, pay attention to what your body is feeling and doing.  If something doesn’t feel, look or act normal down there, contact your gynecologist or general practitioner immediately.  Yeast infections and UTIs are nothing to be embarrassed about, and important to address quickly for physical and mental wellness.

By Iris Farrou
27 Aug, 2021
Women’s Health
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Mycosis of the skin: symptoms, treatment, diagnosis of the disease

Mycoses are an extensive group of diseases united by one symptom – they are all caused by pathogenic fungi that parasitize on the skin, mucous membranes and other human tissues. Among all skin infections, they rank first in terms of prevalence, but despite this, many sick people cannot recognize the disease in time and consult a doctor, which is why dermatologists often have to deal with advanced forms of pathology.

Types of disease

Currently, about four hundred different types of fungi are known that can be pathogenic to humans under certain conditions. According to the type of tissues affected, mycoses are distinguished:

• superficial, affecting the skin and mucous membranes:
• deep, the affected area of ​​which is the subcutaneous tissue;
• visceral, which parasitize the internal organs.

In accordance with the varieties of fungi that parasitize on humans, the following diseases are the most common.

• Rubrophytia. The fungus rubrum trichophyton affects the interdigital spaces, feet, less often settles in the skin folds and on the head. The skin at the site of the lesion turns red and flaky, nodules and small tubercles appear on it. When the skin of the trunk is affected, it forms large patches of reddened skin with bright red concentric ridges.
• Microsporia. As a rule, the fungus is transmitted from sick cats or dogs and affects the fluffy hair on the body, less often – the skin with the formation of a focus of inflamed skin with peeling and vesicles, surrounded by a roller. Microspores are resistant to external influences.
• Trichophytosis. The trichophyton fungus parasitizes on the skin, affecting mainly open areas of the body – the face, hands. It is highly contagious. In humans, outbreaks of the disease are most often recorded in late summer and autumn during field work, when people come into contact with hay and straw, on which the infection was left by sick rodents.
• versicolor. The cause of the common mycosis of smooth skin is Malassezia furfur. Foci, as a rule, form on the chest and abdomen, less often on other parts of the body: small pink spots appear, the color of which then changes to yellow or brown. They are covered with coarse scales that look like bran. Multiple spots soon merge into large formations.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. This is a common mycosis of the scalp, affecting the scalp, including the skin of the eyebrows, eyelashes, mustache and beard, caused by pityrosporum ovale. A variety of pityrosporum orbicularare parasitizes the smooth skin of the trunk. These are lipophilic fungi that feed on sebum. The affected areas of the skin are marked by inflammation and flaky crusts.
• Candidiasis. Candida yeast-like fungi settle in the skin folds, on the mucous membranes and form reddish spots covered with small bubbles. After a while, eroded areas of bright red color appear in place of the bubbles.

There are many types of mycosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and internal organs, which are much less common than the listed types.

Symptoms

It is possible to talk about the symptoms of mycosis only in general terms, since each variety has its own manifestations, which only an experienced dermatologist can recognize. With skin lesions, as a rule, appear:

• reddened and scaly patches of skin;
• severe itching in places affected by the fungus;
• diaper rash in skin folds and interdigital areas;
• small blisters that burst and dry out after a while;
• white, yellow or brownish crusts over inflamed skin.

With mycosis of the limbs, as a rule, the nails also suffer – they become brittle, delaminate, then gradually become cloudy and dark.

Deep mycoses, as a rule, proceed with the formation of deep ulcers, purulent inflammations, fistulas, etc. They are most common in countries with a hot climate, and are extremely rare in Russia. Visceral, depending on the location and degree of damage, can cause dysfunction of the organs on which the fungi parasitize – pulmonary diseases, digestive disorders, etc.

Reasons for the development of pathology

The main cause of mycosis is infection with a pathogenic fungus. At the same time, many types of fungi are constantly present in the body, and their growth is usually restrained by the immune system. With a decrease in control, the fungus begins to grow on the skin or tissues of internal organs. This is often due to:

• a chronic disease that weakens the body;
• non-compliance with hygiene rules;
• insufficient or unbalanced nutrition;
• smoking and alcohol abuse;
• exposure to external factors that weaken the body – hypothermia, excess ultraviolet radiation, poisoning, radiation damage, etc. ;
• long-term use of antibiotics or certain other medicines.

The only exception here is the so-called fungal mycosis, which is not a fungal disease. This is an oncological tumor pathology, which is based on the degeneration of T-lymphocytes into a malignant form.

Transmission routes

There are many ways to get infected with fungal diseases. Most often this happens:

• by direct contact with affected areas of the skin of another person;
• when sharing towels, slippers, personal hygiene items;
• through a contaminated manicure instrument;
• through contaminated clothing and shoes;
• through the soil, especially in the presence of skin microtraumas;
• in contact with pets.

Often, skin mycoses develop in people who visit swimming pools, saunas, showers at sports clubs, etc. Infection is all the more likely, the worse the human immune system works.

Diagnostic methods

As part of the diagnosis of mycoses, studies of scrapings of the skin and nail formations, sputum, blood, hair, scrapings of mucous membranes, feces and other biomaterials can be performed, depending on the type and location of the lesion. For skin diseases, they usually perform:

• dermatoscopy – examination of affected areas of the skin, hair or nails to identify characteristic signs;
• microscopic examination of scrapings to detect fungal mycelium;
• bakposev on nutrient media, which allows you to identify not only the type of fungi, but also the optimal drug for treatment;
• serological examination of blood;
• PCR test for fungal genome detection.

Some types of fungi are quite easily diagnosed using UV radiation, which is generated using a Wood’s lamp.

Simultaneously with determining the type of fungus, the patient is given a general examination to identify the cause of weakened immunity, which led to infection.

Treatment

Currently, there are many means and methods for the treatment of mycosis of almost all types. The main method is drug therapy, which includes drugs of general action and local remedies, which are selected depending on the type of fungus, the degree of damage, the duration of the disease, the patient’s health and other factors. Mycoses of the skin and mucous membranes are best treated: if the doctor’s recommendations are followed, the disease can be eliminated within two to three weeks, and sometimes in just a few days.

With damage to the nails, the course of therapy is several months, and combined treatment is required: local preparations are combined with systemic agents. Local dosage forms are extremely diverse: these are creams, ointments, gels, sprays, nail polishes, powders, drops. Systemic antimycotics are usually available in the form of tablets or capsules. In some cases, complete removal of the affected nail is required.

When choosing drugs, a dermatologist must take into account the individual sensitivity of the pathogen to a particular agent. Self-administration of certain drugs often does not bring the desired result, since before starting treatment it is necessary to determine the type of pathogen. In certain fungal infections, the diet of the patient is important. So, during the treatment of yeast and mold fungi, it is necessary to exclude foods that contain fast carbohydrates (sweets, flour products), fermented foods, alcohol and potatoes.

Prevention

To avoid mycosis, you must:

• observe the rules of hygiene, especially in public places;
• avoid contact with stray animals;
• monitor the disinfection of instruments in hairdressing, beauty salons, manicure rooms;
• not to use someone else’s clothes and shoes.

With prolonged use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, it is necessary to take antimycotics at the same time.

Diagnosis and treatment of mycosis in Moscow

The clinic of JSC “Medicina” offers reliable, comfortable and high-quality treatment of mycosis. We employ qualified dermatologists with many years of practical experience, the latest medical equipment is used for diagnostics. Modern medical procedures allow you to quickly and reliably cleanse the body of a fungal infection. Call us to make an appointment or register online on our website.

Questions and answers

Which doctor treats mycosis?

For the diagnosis and treatment of mycosis, it is necessary to contact a specialized specialist – a mycologist. However, this medical specialty is quite rare, and in the absence of such a specialist in the clinic, you should visit a dermatologist.

Mycosis – what kind of disease and why is it dangerous?

Mycosis is a fungal infection caused by microscopic fungi. Settling on the tissues of the human body, they feed on them, at the same time destroying what they parasitize – skin, hair, nails, internal organs. At the same time, parasites inhibit the microflora of the body, adjust metabolic processes for themselves and poison the body with waste products of their vital activity. As a result, a person constantly feels unwell, his immune system is weakened, he is easily infected with pathogenic viruses and bacteria, and some people even develop cancer.

How to treat mycosis at home?

There are many traditional medicine recipes for the treatment of fungal infections. They can be used as supplements to fight fungus, but only after the approval of the attending physician. The most effective are baths and compresses with apple cider vinegar, alcohol tincture on pine cones, tea tree oil, garlic vegetable oil, birch tar, propolis. However, all these remedies by themselves do not completely eliminate the fungus. They are used only in combination with antimycotic drugs.

how to protect yourself in the sauna and swimming pool – Zdorov-Info

The risk of contracting onychomycosis (fungus) in winter increases among lovers of swimming pools and saunas. Nail fungus not only looks unattractive, but can seriously harm the health of the whole body. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms and methods for preventing fungal diseases in order not to become infected or to recognize the disease in a timely manner in case of infection.

Where does a fungal infection come from

Fungal diseases of the nails are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts and molds that love moisture and multiply rapidly in a humid environment. Therefore, the risk of catching a fungus in the pool or in the sauna is so great. The spores of these parasites are very tenacious: if one of the family members is infected, there is a high risk of infection in the rest. Even if the fungus was noticed and cured in time, since the spores of the fungus left in slippers, carpets, in the bathroom can remain viable for a long time.

Strong immunity and healthy nails do not guarantee that a person will not get a fungal infection. Since not only visiting the pool or sauna, but a number of other factors can become an “assistant” in infection with a fungus. The risk of contracting a fungal infection increases if a person:

– wears poor quality shoes
– extends nails
– often injures the nail plate
– does not observe personal hygiene.

Older people are also at risk, because in the elderly, metabolic processes are slowed down, and damaged nail tissue recovers much longer.

Symptoms of a fungal infection on the nails

A fungal infection makes the nails weak and thin, they begin to break, the color changes from yellowish dirty to black. There is an unpleasant smell. Depending on the type of fungal infection, symptoms may vary. So, the nail plate with some types of fungus can not only thin out, but even disappear altogether. The skin around the affected nail may become red, flaky, and itchy. Also, a fungal infection of the nail can cause itching.

The very first signs of nail fungus are changes in the nail plate. It is then that it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and begin treatment. The skin begins to itch and itch when the spores of the fungus spread further to healthy skin, causing it to peel off until it is impossible to step on the foot (if it is a fungus on the feet). If the fungal infection is not treated, then the body’s defenses are reduced, chronic diseases are exacerbated. Fungal spores can further penetrate the body, affecting the internal organs.

Prevention of fungal nail diseases

infection with a fungal infection occurs through contact with the skin or things of a sick person, as well as with objects that he touched. You can pick up a fungus if you walk barefoot in the pool or sauna, hang on the sides for a long time, etc. To protect yourself or your loved ones, it is recommended:

– avoid heated pools and jacuzzis. Bacteria and fungal spores like to multiply in inaccessible places in such pools, mainly in pipes. And when pumping water, it gets hot into the bowl of the pool or jacuzzi, where a person can directly catch the infection

– do not share slippers, towels, washcloths or other personal items

– do not swim in the pool for more than one hour

– do not forget to moisturize your skin after swimming or sauna.