Before you know it, the weather’s going to heat up and it’ll be time to hit the community pools!
Probably.
Hopefully?
Maybe.
If you do get a chance to hit a public pool this year, it’s worth taking a moment to think about what you can do to prevent athlete’s foot while you’re there. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to reduce your risk of picking up this fungal infection at pools or other particularly risky areas such as locker rooms and gyms. As with any good defense, knowledge of the enemy is power.
The type of fungus responsible for causing the itching and burning of athlete’s foot isn’t too different from any other type of fungus. All of them need moisture and warmth to thrive. When there’s no forest floor around, the area around a humid community pool or changing room can do just fine instead. Add to that environment a bunch of bare feet, some of which might be carrying the fungus with or without their owners’ knowledge, and the risks of infection grow.
With this in mind, it’s best to put a barrier between your feet and what might be growing in the dampness of public areas. A simple pair of shower shoes can go a long way when it comes to hitting the showers, and can at the very least be used to walk around when poolside. And when things are done, be sure to dry your feet, especially between the toes where moisture can stick around. But don’t share towels with someone else!
If athlete’s foot still manages to creep up on you, there’s a place to turn for expert care. Call the Bloomington, IN office of Dr. Kevin Powers at (812) 333-4422 to help your feet get on a clearer path more quickly.
