Bathrooms Spread Nail Fungus

Most of us tend to think of nail fungus infection (onychomycosis) spreading via public swimming pools and borrowed footwear, but shared bathrooms spread nail fungus as well. Conditions for fungal survival and growth are similar in pool areas, foot wear, and bathrooms: continuous moisture, relatively warm temperatures, and limited air circulation. The other thing that’s a constant in all three places is the presence of multiple pairs of naked or partially clothed feet. Be vigilant in gymnasium restrooms, dormitory restrooms, hotels were bathrooms don’t look clean, and of course the washroom at home if other family members have fungal nail infections.

Washrooms and onychomycosis are linked because the fungi that cause the infection require moisture to survive, even in their resistant spore stage. When spores fall from infected feet or hands, they can live a very very long time under the right conditions before infecting another person. At home, clean regularly and occasionally use an antifungal product such as an anti-mildew spray to kill fungal elements. (Mildew, the black surface mold that often grows on shower grout, and ceilings where condensation collects, is not infective but its presence does tell us that the conditions are right for fungal survival, and reminds us that bathrooms spread nail fungus.) Having a fan in the bathroom and turning it on during and after showers and baths will keep the bathroom dry and discourage molds.

In hotels, if facilities appear unclean, request that someone be sent to clean, or ask for cleaning products and do the job yourself. It’s not just the taps and fixtures of course—spores picked up from dirty floors in bathrooms spread nail fungus even more often. Don’t be reluctant to demand that your washroom is kept clean – a little assertiveness now could save a world of trouble later. You might also wish to remind the manager of the link between washrooms and onychomycosis.

In more public restrooms, like those in dormitories and gyms, you’ll have to be even more proactive, and practice a little habitual self-care. Remember that others may not know that bathrooms spread nail fungus – you can’t expect them to clean up for you. Wear something on your feet at all times, even if it’s just a pair of flip flops, and wash and dry hands and feet carefully if they are wet. Take good care of your feet: keep nails trimmed and clean, look after any breaks in the skin, change your socks daily, air your footwear, and have any suspicious symptoms looked at promptly by a health professional. You can’t avoid going into washrooms and onychomycosis will always be a risk.