Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes that feed on the keratin in the outer layer of the skin. This infection frequently occurs between the toes, but it can also affect the soles and sides of the feet, leading to itching, scaling, and sometimes blisters. The fungi that cause this condition thrive in warm, moist environments. This is why public areas like locker rooms and swimming pools are often associated with its spread, leading individuals managing this condition to question whether they should continue swimming and how to do so safely.
The Immediate Answer: Safety and Contagion Risk
The short answer is that swimming with Athlete’s Foot is generally permissible, but it requires careful attention to hygiene to prevent transmission. The primary risk of spreading the infection to others does not come from the pool water itself. While chlorine is primarily a disinfectant for bacteria and viruses, it can have some antifungal properties, and the water is constantly being treated.
The contagion risk is overwhelmingly concentrated on the surfaces surrounding the water. Fungal spores shed from an infected foot can linger on wet floors in locker rooms, shower stalls, and pool decks, where they can easily be picked up by another person walking barefoot. An infected person can deposit these spores onto communal surfaces when they walk around. Therefore, the safety measure is less about avoiding the water and more about avoiding contact between the infected foot and shared walking areas.
How Swimming Affects the Infected Foot
While the water may not significantly contribute to spreading the fungus in the pool, swimming can still negatively impact the infected person’s recovery. Fungi flourish in damp conditions, and prolonged exposure to water causes the skin barrier to weaken through a process called maceration. This softening of the skin makes the tissue more vulnerable to the existing fungal infection, potentially allowing it to spread further or worsen.
If the Athlete’s Foot has progressed to include open blisters, cracks, or sores, swimming should be avoided entirely. These breaks in the skin significantly increase the risk of a secondary bacterial infection, such as cellulitis or erysipelas, which can be far more serious than the initial fungal infection. The constant moisture weakens the skin’s natural defenses, making it easier for bacteria to enter the body through the damaged tissue. It is advisable to wait until any open wounds have fully healed before returning to the water.
Essential Precautions for Swimmers
Individuals who choose to swim while managing Athlete’s Foot must adopt a strict regimen of precautions to protect both themselves and others. The first defense is to create a physical barrier between the infected skin and communal surfaces.
Preventing Transmission
Wearing waterproof sandals or flip-flops is necessary whenever walking away from the pool edge, including on the deck, in changing rooms, and in public showers. This prevents the shedding of fungal spores onto the floor and reduces the risk of picking up other pathogens. For areas with open lesions or active scaling, applying a waterproof bandage or using a rubber swim sock can help contain the fungal spores while in the water.
Post-Swim Care
Immediately after leaving the pool, the feet must be dried thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the tight spaces between the toes where moisture is easily trapped. This drying step is important because eliminating the warm, moist environment inhibits fungal growth. Once the feet are completely dry, promptly reapply the prescribed or over-the-counter antifungal medication. Applying the treatment directly after swimming ensures the medicine can penetrate the skin effectively.