Unknown to many, there are a number of illnesses that you can get from swiming in public pools, water parks, hot tubs, and water play areas. These may be spread through swallowing the water, breathing in vapors, or touching the water.
Most common are gastrointestinal infections or diarrheal diseases caused by Giardia, Shigella, E.coli, and Crypto.
If you have cuts or scrapes, there is always a risk of infection when the open skin is exposed to water. There are various parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can enter breaks in the skin and cause infection, typically appearing as rashes, pimples, bumps, or blisters that may itch or burn.
Walking bare feet in shower rooms and pool area may also put you at risk or getting athlete’s foot. This is a highly contagious fungal infection that thrives in moist environments. Wear flip flops if you are around the pool area and in the showers. Thoroughly dry your feet after swimming to help prevent infection.
Staph is a common bacterium that may cause skin and other invasive infections. Sometimes, Staph infections can cause outbreaks that lead to skin problems such as boils and abscesses or even worse, infections of the bloodstream. The common areas of transmission are locker rooms, steam rooms, and improperly sanitized pool water and its surrounding area.
Warts on the feet called verrucas or plantar warts are caused by a viral infection. Swimming in public pools and walking bare feet around the area can cause the skin to be more susceptible for the virus to be implanted, more particularly if you have a weak immune system or your skin is cut or damaged.
If you experience foot problems, contact Dr. Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 or www.NaplesPodiatrist.com.
# # #
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
