by Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy
Go barefoot by the pool this summer at your peril
Not wearing shoes in warm moist conditions subjects your feet to a high risk of infection – some of which can take months or even years to go away.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites – all like to live and breed and in warm, moist environments. Hence the swimming pool, the swimming pool water, the area around the pool and the pool changing rooms are all fertile breeding grounds for a whole variety of different microorganisms. These can enter the body through tiny breaches in the skin and cause unpleasant infections.
Here are the three most common foot infections from swimming pool water –
The human papillomavirus HPV
HPV is the causative organism of a verruca. It is known to be present in swimming pool water. Verrucae are small, rough areas of skin that are found on the soles of the feet. There is often a great deal of heaped-up skin overlying them, and they can get very big and be painful to walk on.
Tinea pedis
The fungus tinea pedis which causes athlete’s foot, also likes to live in warm moist conditions and infects humans when their feet come into contact with swimming pool water. Most commonly this causes scaling, and peeling cracked skin between the toes. The skin may feel itchy, and it can be painful if fissures appear.
Tinea unguium
Infection with fungal organisms such as tinea unguium can also be acquired via swimming pool water. This infects the toenails, making the nail look distorted. The distal end of the toenail often lifts away from the nail bed, and the nail becomes dry, brittle and crumbly. It can be painful if pressure is applied to the toenail for example wearing certain types of shoes.
Accidents by the pool
Also, slips and falls by the pool are very common. Wearing shoes like sandals by the pool minimises the risk of slipping and breaking bones or having a head injury. Paving by the pool may be uneven and you also risk tripping up or stubbing a toe. (Note that flip-flops are notoriously slippery and not generally recommended. Most podiatrists do not recommend flip-flops).
Water shoes are the best option for by the pool and even in the water when swimming. They have a soft rubber sole, are lightweight and dry easily.
Treatments for foot infections
Verrucae are treated using a salicylic acid gel that can be purchased from the chemist. Other options are cryotherapy (freezing) or the use of duct tape. Most verrucae disappear by themselves within a few months. If you want to swim with a verruca, cover it with a plaster and a verruca sock. NHS – warts and verrucae.
Athlete’s foot is treated with antifungal powder, cream or spray containing terbinafine (Lamisil). You should keep your feet clean and dry and not walk around barefoot while you have it. NHS – athlete’s foot.
Fungal toenail infections are best treated using oral medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox). Treatment is likely to last around 3 months. You may need an antifungal nail polish. You must keep your feet clean and dry, and wear sandals/light shows, at all times. Sometimes a fungal toenail infection can signify a weakened immune system – so see your GP without delay. NHS – fungal nail infection.
Always look after your feet as well as possible
Good foot care is essential to ensure your feet stay as healthy as possible.
- Always keep your nails short, neat and trim.
- Keep your feet clean and dry, Dry carefully between your toes after bathing or showering. Avoid shoes and socks that make your feet sweat.
- Don’t share towels, flannels, bed linen or socks with other people.
- Don’t go barefoot – always wear appropriate footwear such as sandals by the pool or on any wet public floors.
- Don’t have artificial nails on your toes.