You’ve got your goggles, your cap, and your lane is calling. But then it hits - that itchy, peeling annoyance between your toes. Yep, it’s athlete’s foot. Yuck. Now you’re stuck wondering: can I still hit the pool, or am I about to contaminate half the swim club?
The short answer? Technically, yes - you can swim with athlete’s foot. But the smarter question is: should you? Spoiler: not without some serious precautions.
What Is Athlete’s Foot and Why Is Swimming a Problem?
Athlete’s foot (aka tinea pedis) is a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes (aka cheeky fungi) that thrive in warm, damp conditions. Sound familiar? Changing rooms, communal showers, and swimming pool decks are basically fungal theme parks.
Typical symptoms include:
- Itching and burning between toes
- Cracked or peeling skin
- Red, scaly patches
- Sometimes blisters or even bleeding
When your skin barrier is broken (thanks to cracks or blisters), water exposure only makes things worse. Pool chemicals like chlorine may irritate the skin further, and those little openings can let bacteria sneak in, leading to more serious infections.
The Contagion Factor: Think About Others
Athlete’s foot is highly contagious, and fungi love to spread in wet communal spaces. Even if chlorine reduces fungal spores in the water, it’s not perfect. The bigger risk is on the surfaces around pools, like decks, showers, and changing benches, where you can leave spores behind for the next unsuspecting swimmer.
That’s why the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises covering the affected foot with a rubber sock if you’re swimming, and avoiding sharing towels, socks, or shoes. The NHS echoes the importance of good foot hygiene in preventing the spread in communal spaces.
So… Can You Swim With Athlete’s Foot?
Here’s the breakdown:
When You Definitely Shouldn’t Swim
- Open cracks or bleeding skin
- Signs of bacterial infection (pus, spreading redness, severe pain)
- Rapidly worsening infection
In these cases, skip the pool. Healing first means you’ll get back to training faster in the long run.
When Swimming Might Be Okay
- Very mild infection (dry, scaling skin only)
- No open wounds
- You’re using proper protection
If that’s you, precautions are essential:
- Cover the area with waterproof plasters or rubber swim socks.
- Wear flip-flops around the pool and in changing rooms - never go barefoot.
- Shower and dry thoroughly afterwards, paying attention between toes.
- Apply antifungal treatment (like a powder or cream) after swimming.
Treatment: Clear It Up Before You Dive In
The fastest way back into the pool is to treat the fungus properly. The NHS recommends all sorts of antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. These are fine if you’re okay with the potential ick of a lot of synthetic ingredients, but if you prefer a cleaner approach then we’ve got you covered with Funga Shield. Our all-natural antifungal powder fights infection while keeping feet dry, cutting off the conditions fungi love.
Prevention: Stay Fungus-Free Poolside
- Never go barefoot in communal pool areas. Flip-flops are non-negotiable.
- Use your own towel - don’t share. Wash it regularly.
- Dry feet completely after swimming (a cool hairdryer works wonders).
- Rotate trainers and wear moisture-wicking socks.
Yes, you can swim with athlete’s foot - but unless you’re taking every precaution, you probably shouldn’t. It’s about protecting your own recovery and being considerate of others in the pool.
Treat the infection, keep your feet dry, and give your skin a chance to heal. With natural treatments like Funga Shield, plus smart poolside hygiene, you’ll be back to diving, training, and smashing PBs without spreading the itch.
Because nothing ruins swim club quite like being the person who turned lane three into a fungal hotspot. Yikes. Now, keep those footsies safe, and go get it!
Logan
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim with athlete’s foot?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. Athlete’s foot is contagious and water exposure can slow recovery. If you swim, cover the infection and take precautions.
Will chlorine kill athlete’s foot fungus?
Chlorine has mild antifungal properties but isn’t 100% effective. Fungi can survive on poolside surfaces like decks and showers, making them prime areas for spread.
Is it safe to swim with cracked or blistered feet?
Absolutely not. Open wounds increase the risk of bacterial infection and worsen the condition. It’s best to treat the infection and wait until your skin heals before swimming.
How can I prevent spreading athlete’s foot at the pool?
Wear flip-flops in changing rooms and showers, cover affected skin with waterproof protection, and dry feet thoroughly after swimming. The UKHSA also recommends rubber swim socks to stop spread.
What’s the best treatment for athlete’s foot if I swim often?
Antifungal creams, sprays, or powders are recommended. Natural options like Funga Shield help fight fungus, while also keeping feet dry and working to prevent the fungus from infecting you in the first place.
