Papers And Originals
Foot Infections in Swimming Baths
Br Med J 1973; 3 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5874.260 (Published 04 August 1973) Cite this as: Br Med J 1973;3:260
- J. C. Gentles,
- E. G. V. Evans
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.