Dermatophyes are the agents that cause toenail fungus. This type of fungi is not only very persistent but also very resilient. That resilience allows them to stay alive without food or in other challenging situations for up to 72 hours. This is the primary reason why many toenail fungus infections are caught in public showers. If a person with nail fungus were to use a shower stall and some of the dermatophytes were to come loose, these fungi can live on the shower floor until the next person comes to use the shower. The best way to avoid this scenario is to always use shower sandals when using public showers and restrooms. To walk around in bare feet in such a situation is leaving everything up to chance. As annoying as nail fungus infections are, we suggest leaving less to chance and take all the precautions you can.