Nail fungus and public pools have some things in common. Most people who go swimming in a public pool don’t usually give it much thought. As long as they know how to swim they probably don’t have to worry about drowning. However, they hear all kinds of stories about how the water could be contaminated, yet they tend to decide to ignore these stories and jump in anyway. As long as the water isn’t green they can’t see anything wrong with the pool so odds are they won’t get sick from going for a swim. But what people don’t always realize is that there is actually danger lurking outside of the pool as well. Public pools can be the home to toenail fungus.

How do people get infected?

If someone is infected with nail fungus and spends the day at a public pool, they are putting everyone else at risk. All they have to do is simply walk around barefoot next to the pool. Anyone who steps in the spots that they stepped in could potentially become infected with toenail fungus.

For this reason, if you do still decide to go swimming in a public pool, you need to be cautious of the area around the water. Instead of walking around barefoot, put some water shoes on, or even sandals or flip-flops instead. This footwear will help prevent toenail fungus from infecting your feet. Also, when you rinse off in the pool’s shower area, make sure you continue to wear the same footwear. Public showers are often crawling with nail fungus.

There is one more thing that you should think about when you go to a public pool, or any pool or wet location actually. Toenail fungus thrives in moist places. If you don’t dry off your feet after getting out of a pool or a shower, you are putting yourself at a greater risk of becoming infected with nail fungus. Always have a towel nearby and then use it to dry off as soon as possible. This will increase your chances of preventing nail fungus from infecting you.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Houston, TX recommends this treatment for Toenail Fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.