“Can fungal infection in the swimming pool spread from one person to another?”
I am a 25 year old man and I have recently observed a fungal infection in my thighs. I am a swimmer. Could it be possible that I may have encountered this infection in the pool?
5 Answers
The fungal skin infections that are commonly called "ring worms" are contagious and can be acquired in the changing rooms, locker rooms, and so on. To prevent these from occurring, make sure not o share towels, bar of soap, swim trunks etc.
No
It is not likely you acquired a fungus from the pool. Transmission is by direct contact.
Maira Jessica Medellin-Peña
Infectious Disease Specialist
Fungi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Common fungal skin infections are caused by yeasts (such as Candida or Malassezia furfur) or dermatophytes, such as Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. Your infection can come from a variety of sources but swimming pools and gym's washroom are good guesses from where you could have caught the infection, but remember these yeasts are usually harmless and they take over when your immune system is depressed. If you want to boost your immune system, research some natural immunity boosters!
This might be "ringworm infection"- which is caused by a fungus causing a scaly-itchy red rash in groin, or between toes "athlete's foot". It is not the water, but contaminated surfaces, towels, etc in showers and lockers, or direct contact with other infected people, through which the fungus is transmitted.
