Foot infections in swimming baths

Abstract

A 10% random sample of all bathers at a public swimming bath were examined for tinea pedis and verruca.The overall incidence of tinea pedis was 8.5% and of verruca 4.8%. The incidence of tinea pedis in 205 male adults was 21.5%, in 288 boys 6.3%, in 60 adult females 3.3%, and in 220 girls 0.9%. The incidence of verruca in juveniles ranged from 4.2% in boys to 10.5% in girls.It was clear that both infections spread within the baths, and since a relatively small proportion of users admitted to taking precautions to avoid contracting or developing infections it seems advisable that more publicity about recommendations on foot care should be provided.