Your local gym, locker rooms and public pools can be a breeding ground for germs and fungi. Are we saying you must avoid all exercise facilities or skip your regular workout routine in general? No, certainly not. Staying active is important to overall health. With that said, there are some precautions experts suggest in order to significantly lessen your chances of developing the ever-dreaded infection of nail fungus.
Footwear
- Locker Room Sandals: Wear sandals while changing or showering in locker room areas. Take note, rubber sandals are often porous and can invite fungal spores to their livable environment. Be sure you discard your trusty pair of worn out gym sandals and invest in a sparkling pair of clean, fungus free flip flop style sandals if you feel they have been compromised.
- Tennis/Exercise Shoes: Depending on your gym frequency, it may be a good idea to buy two pair of workout shoes made from breathable materials and rotate between them, allowing one pair to completely dry out while you wear the other. Wearing clean socks are also a must. If you have a history of chronic toenail fungus, it is a good idea to apply anti-fungal power to your shoes to reduce perspiration.
Practice Good Hygiene
If you happen to go to the gym while you are sick, be sure to practice exceptional hygiene. The more one washes their hands and feet with soap (especially between your toes) the less likely fungus will have a chance to grow.
Dry, Dry and Dry Again
Though we have mentioned the importance of washing your hands and feet with soap, it is also very important to dry these cleansed areas thoroughly. Fungus thrives in dark, warm, and damp environments.
See a doctor at the first possible sign of nail fungus. The earlier you catch this embarrassing infection, the better.
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