Know the most frequent infections in the pool season

Mexico City.- The increase in humidity and high temperatures of summer create a perfect climate for the proliferation of all types of pathogens.And moisture is especially high in one of the most busy sites of summer: the pools.

Therefore, at this time of the year, in which we spend hours and hours enjoying water, we must monitor the appearance of certain diseases.

Dosfarma experts explain that people who come to the pool frequently have 50% more risk of suffering an infection caused by bacteria or fungi.

Children and women the most affected

Although some are more common among the little ones or more frequently affect women, all bathers should take care of infections in the pool season.These are the five most common among swimmers in summer:

1. Cystitis

It is an infection that affects the bladder and is produced by the accumulation of bacteria in the urinary tract.The microorganism that most usually causes it is Escherichia Coli or E.Coli, responsible for 75 % of cystitis in Spain.Although it can also occur in men, it is more frequent in women, especially among young women.

Infections in the urinary tract are very common throughout the year, since they can arise due to various causes: insufficient hygiene in the intimate area, frequent sexual relations, under tight underwear ... However, in summer those causes increase.Sudden temperature changes, a low hydration level or spend a lot of time with the wet swimsuit also makes it appear.

Its most common symptoms are to urinate very frequently and make sure, pain or stinging when urinating and even the presence of blood in the urine.In some cases, fever also appears.

2. Candidiasis

It is an infection produced by vaginal fungi.It is quite common, because 3 out of 4 women have suffered it at some point in their life.It is caused by different types of fungi, although the most frequent are those of the genus Candida.They are fungi that are present in the vagina in a natural way and certain bacteria keep them controlled;But if the levels of these bacteria are unbalanced, fungi grow excessively.Thus, antibiotic taking is one of the reasons why candidiasis may appear, although there are some more: non -controlled diabetes, weak immune system or increased estrogen levels (by pregnancy or by taking contraceptives).

In summer, it is more common for the use of swimsuits.If we are too long with the wet swimsuit, the balance between fungi and bacteria of the vagina will be altered and the infection will appear.Candidiasis produces itching or irritation in the vagina, a sensation of burning when urinating or during sexual intercourse, pain or inflammation of the vagina and thick and whitish secretions.

3. Athlete foot

The humidity and heat of the pools in summer are the perfect environment to prolve skin fungal infections.The most frequent is the athlete's foot, usually caused by Trichophyton fungi, and which mostly affects the skin between the fingers of the foot due to the accumulation of moisture.

They proliferate more in summer not only because we sweat more, but also for walking barefoot through the pool or public showers.The athlete's foot causes itching, redness, skin cracks and excessive sweat.In some cases, small ampoules or schemous skin also appear.If it is not properly treated, it can lead to onychomycosis, an infection of fungi that affects the nails and that changes the color or shape.

4. Conjunctivitis

It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, a transparent membrane that covers the eyelid and the eyeball.Its most frequent cause is an infection produced by a bacterium or a virus.If we touch our eyes with our hands when leaving the pool, we can transmit the pathogens of the water directly to the eye.

Conjunctivitis may also be due to an irritation.For example, water chlorine can inflame the conjunctiva.Its symptoms include red eye, stinging and itching, sandy sensation, tearing ... In the case of being an irritation, it can be eliminated by cleaning the eye with physiological serum.On the other hand, if it is for an infection, you have to go to the oculista.

5. External otitis

It is the inflammation of the external auditory channel and is generally caused by an infection.The most common are those produced by pseudomonas bacteria.They are especially frequent in children, since their auditory ducts are shorter and clog more easily.

It is quite common in summer due to moisture and water, which enters the ear, irritates it and leaves pathogens inside the auditory duct.It can also occur for other reasons, such as allergies, eccema or by using cotton sticks.This is because the bastions can cause irritations in the skin of the auditory duct, from which microorganisms can enter.In addition, the baston pushes the wax towards the deepest part of the duct and, when accumulating, stores moisture and favors the appearance of microbes.

External otitis produces acute pain in the ear and the duct becomes inflamed and red.Light fluid secretions appear.If it is not or spread, the pain will increase, the secretions will be thicker and more yellowish and the auditory channel can be blocked, which will affect the hearing temporarily.

How to prevent infections in the pool

It is not necessary to give up a dip to prevent all these diseases.Dosfarma experts have compiled some simple tips that can be easily incorporated as routine this summer and will help us avoid them.

Do not keep the wet swimsuit. It is important to wear dry clothes as soon as possible so that moisture in the intimate area is not accumulated.Thanks to that, we will prevent pathogens from appearing that cause diseases such as candidiasis or cystitis.

Staying hydrated dehydration is a risk factor for cystitis, so water should never be missing in our pool bag.If we find it hard to drink water, it can be complemented with other liquids such as cold infusions or juices.

Taking red blueberry This fruit has great antibacterial properties and helps prevent cystitis, among many other things.There are a lot of red blueberry food supplements that will reinforce the defenses against this infection at the pool time.In addition, the blueberry reduces the pH of urine (that is, its degree of acidity), which avoids the appearance of bacteria, since most of them feed on urine acids.

Avoid alcohol alcoholic beverages cause dehydration, as they affect the production of antidiuretic hormone, responsible for kidneys absorbing water.When taking alcohol, we urinate more frequently and we can dehydrate before, a risk factor of cystitis.In addition, alcohol raises the pH of urine, as well as other foods, such as exciting drinks, which favors the appearance of bacteria and diseases such as candidiasis or cystitis.

Keeping the skin well hydrated you have to prevent cracks or skin wounds that serve as entry to fungi and bacteria.To do this, it is important to hydrate the whole body well, especially the areas that will be in contact with the pool surfaces, such as the feet.

Do not walk barefoot using flip flops while we are out of water will make bacteria enter the skin of the feet.It is a advice that can also be applied when showering in public lockers.

Bringing the nails of the short feet if the nails suffer from a blow, increases the risk of entering fungi through the wound.Therefore, it is better to carry them short to avoid wounds and cuts.

Immerse yourself as little as possible in this way, we will prevent the pathogens that cause otitis from between water in the ear.

Drying well after each bath is very important that there is no water in the ears after the bathroom.To do this, you have to dry well with a clean tip of the towel and tilt the head on both sides so that all the water comes out.

Amanda dirt, dosfarma pharmaceutical pharmaceuticalAvoid an annoying infection this summer.

We could add more tips to avoid these infections beyond the pool, such as not wearing very tight underwear or does not let the skin transpire and, of course, maintain good hygiene, either from the intimate area, the ears orthe feet and nails. "

*Source: DOSFARMA