People who go to swimming pools often have up to fifty% have more risk infections caused by fungi or bacteriaThis is reported by Dosfarma.com.
He heat And humidity two ideal conditions for spreading all kinds pathogens. And if there is a place where these conditions are created, it is pools.
cystitis, conjunctivitisHe mycosis, otitis wave thrush are, according to experts, the most common infections that swimmers can contract.
Although children, pregnant women and people who have health problems or take certain medicines that reduce the ability of the immune system to fight germs are most at risk for these types of infections. But the truth is that all bathers are subject to themso anyone who regularly visits pools should take precautionary measures to avoid them.
Gestures how to use flip flops If you are going to swim, not staying in a wet swimsuit for a long time or wiping your ears very well, you can avoid infection in the summer. Before they were not severe infectionsbut they can be very annoying and there is always a risk that they complicate.
Below we list the symptoms of these types of infections and the precautions you should take to avoid each one.
Cystitis due to insufficient moisture in the pool
Cystitis, or urinary infection, is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the bladder. bacteria coli It is the cause of 75% of cystitis in Spain.
Although it can occur in men as well, this infection is much more dangerous. common in young women.
This bacterium Lives in intestines and can reach the bladder through the vagina and urethra. It is normal that it is excreted by vaginal secretions and the antibacterial properties of urine, but if it is not, it sticks to the bladder and inflames it.
female anatomy (very short urethra and close to the anus) allows germs to pass into the bladder, causing a urinary infection.
Cystitis is not a legacy of summer. They can occur throughout the year due to the use very tight clothingpoor intimate hygiene, frequent intercourse…
However, in the summer sudden changes in temperature, dehydration or spend time in a wet swimsuit they increase the risk.
The symptoms it causes constant urge to urinate and pain or regret about it. Blood in the urine and fever may also appear.
Candidiasis from a wet swimsuit
Three out of four women have had this family-borne infection at some time in their lives. fungus genre candida.
These fungi are naturally present in the vagina and certain bacteria keep them in check, but if the vaginal flora is imbalanced, candida can grow.
so take it antibiotics (they upset the balance of both the vaginal and intestinal flora) is one of the main reasons thrush.
A poorly controlled diabetesa weak immune system or elevated estrogen levels due to pregnancy or contraceptives are also contributing factors.
In summer, spend time in a wet swimsuit it changes the balance between fungi and bacteria in the vagina, increasing the population of the former. For this reason, cases thrush. This infection causes itching and irritation in the vagina, as well as a thick, lumpy discharge.
Athlete’s foot from walking barefoot
Humidity and heat of swimming pools provoke infection skin fungus, especially in legs.
The most frequent is mycosisusually caused by fungi Trichophytonand it mainly affects the skin between the toes.
In summer, they breed more, not only because we sweat more and have more moisture on our feet, but also because walking barefoot in pools and public showers.
Athlete’s foot causes itching, redness and cracks on the skin. If not treated properly, it can lead to onychomycosis (a fungal infection that affects the nails).
Conjunctivitis from swimming
This inflammation of the conjunctivatransparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball bacterium or virus.
A gesture as common as touch our eyes as we exit the pool can do waterborne pathogens go straight to the eye.
Conjunctivitis can also appear due to irritation, as chlorine pool can ignite conjunctiva.
Common signs are itching, a gritty feeling in the eyes, or watery eyes. If it’s just an annoyance, it can be solved with saline solutionbut if there is infection You need to see an ophthalmologist for care corresponding.
Otitis externa from immersing the head in a pool
This is the most common type of otitis pool water microbes. is inflammation in external auditory meatus and is usually called like bacteria, pseudomonas.
they are bigger common in children because their ear canals are shorter and clog easily.
otitis externa In summer, they go out because moisture and water penetrate the ear, leaving pathogens inside the ear canal.
They may also appear allergy, eczema or use Cotton buds. The latter cause slight damage, facilitating the penetration of microorganisms.
If otitis media is not treated, the infection may get worse and pain intensifies. The ear canal may be blocked, auditory.
How to prevent infection in the pool
To avoid infections in the summer, DosPharma experts recommend the following tips:
- Don’t stay with a wet swimsuit. Put on dry clothes so that moisture does not accumulate in the intimate area. This gesture will prevent the reproduction of pathogens that cause candidiasis or cystitis.
- moisturize well. Dehydration is a risk factor for cystitis, so you should never run out of water in your pool bag.
- Take lingonberries. It is antibacterial and helps prevent cystitis. If you’re prone to urinary tract infections, cranberry supplements will boost your defenses against this infection in the summer.
- avoid alcohol. It contributes to dehydration, as it affects the production of antidiuretic hormone, which is responsible for the absorption of water by the kidneys. When we drink alcohol, we urinate more and become dehydrated faster, which is a risk factor for cystitis. As if that weren’t enough, alcohol raises the pH of the urine, which contributes to candidiasis and cystitis.
- Keep your skin hydrated. So you avoid cracks or wounds that serve as an entrance for fungi and bacteria. Paying special attention to the hydration of the foot will prevent the occurrence of athlete’s foot.
- don’t walk barefoot. Wearing flip-flops by the pool, in public showers and changing rooms is the number one rule to avoid fungal infections of the feet.
- Nails are very short. If they take a hit, the risk of fungal penetration through the wound increases. That is why it is better to wear them short to avoid wounds and cuts.
- Dive as little as possible. This will prevent water and germs from entering the ear. This advice is required if you have a tendency to get otitis in the summer.
- Dry well after swimming. Tilt your head to either side to let the water out of your ears, and use the clean end of the towel to gently dry your ears.