Feet at the pool and gym—How to avoid infections?

Swimming pool, gym, sauna. We take care of our bodies, but… we often forget about our feet. And that is exactly where most problems begin, leading clients to nail stylists and podologists later on. Pool ringworm (athlete's foot) develops where moisture, heat, and contact with an infected surface meet in one place. Which is exactly where we walk barefoot "just for a moment."

This article is a practical guide – for you and your clients.

Why does ringworm develop in public places?

Fungi love an environment that we usually avoid – damp, warm, and enclosed. Swimming pools, gym showers, or locker rooms provide them with ideal conditions to grow.

Ringworm and the pool is a topic that returns regularly because:

• floors are constantly wet,
• many people walk barefoot,
• contact with other people's skin and epidermis is inevitable.

A micro-injury of the skin is enough for an infection to occur. If you want to know the symptoms, prevention, and proper care of tinea pedis - read this article.

How to protect yourself from ringworm at the pool and gym?

Pool slippers – are they enough to protect your feet from ringworm?

In short: they help, but they do not solve the problem 100%. Slippers limit contact with the ground, but:

• they do not protect against moisture,
• they do not secure the spaces between the toes,
• they often become a breeding ground for bacteria themselves if they are not regularly disinfected.

Therefore, treat them as a base, but not your only line of defense.

Protective foot spray before and after the pool

This is a step that makes a huge difference – and is still overlooked. Protective preparations:

• create a barrier against microorganisms,
• limit the growth of fungi,
• support the natural skin microflora.

It is worth using them before entering the pool and after leaving the shower. For nail stylists and podologists, this is a great recommendation for clients – simple yet highly effective.

How to protect yourself from ringworm in public places?

This is not just one trick, but a system of actions:

• dry your feet thoroughly (especially between the toes),
• do not borrow towels or footwear,
• use your own care accessories,
• choose breathable footwear after training,
• react immediately to the first symptoms.

In the context of styling, it is worth remembering: nail fungus is a common problem among clients who regularly use places like swimming pools, saunas, and gyms, while simultaneously wearing nail stylings for many weeks.

Can you go to the pool with nail fungus?

This is one of the most common questions: can you go to the pool with nail fungus? The answer is simple: you should not.

Why?

• You increase the risk of worsening the infection,
• you can infect other people,
• moisture and heat intensify the growth of fungi.

The same applies to the question: can you go to the pool with athlete's foot? – we do not recommend it. You knowingly expose yourself and others. For specialists, this is a clear signal: educating clients in this area is key.

Nail fungus and the pool – when is the risk highest?

The greatest risk appears when:

• the skin is damaged,
• nails are weakened (e.g., after removing a styling),
• feet are wet for a long time,
• no prevention is used.

That is why pool ringworm often develops "quietly" – it starts with a small and often invisible change, and ends with a visit to a podologist.

What to do if you suspect a skin infection?

Do not ignore the first symptoms:

• itching,
• burning,
• nail discoloration,
• skin peeling.

Act immediately:

1. remove the styling (if present),
2. reach for antifungal preparations,
3. if necessary, consult a podologist or dermatologist.

For stylists, this is particularly important – working on an infected plate is a risk not only for the client but also for subsequent people.

Read our guide and do not make these 5 foot care mistakes.

Prevention is the best way for ringworm and foot diseases

The pool and the gym are not the problem. The problem is the lack of awareness – and small habits that we downplay. Ringworm and the pool is a topic that can really be closed in one sentence: prevention is better than cure. Except that in practice, this prevention means specific actions that are worth introducing permanently.

First – always wear slippers and do not walk barefoot on wet surfaces. Second – dry your feet thoroughly, especially the spaces between the toes, because that is where the infection usually starts. Third – use a protective spray before and after the pool, which acts as a shield for the skin. Fourth – do not ignore the first symptoms and react immediately before the problem develops. And finally: if a doubt arises like can you go to the pool with nail fungus – there should be only one answer: take care of your health first, then return to activity.

For stylists and beauty specialists, this is more than knowledge – it is real value for clients. Because a healthy nail plate is the foundation of every styling.

And the most important part? Unlike a manicure, which can be fixed in an hour, treating ringworm is a process. Long-term, requiring patience and consistency. Therefore, it is better to do everything to not give it a chance at all.

Post author

Patrycja Psuj

Psychologist, paramedic graduated from the Jagiellonian University. For years, she has been involved in content creation and editing – primarily expert, marketing, and blog articles. She writes for companies, institutions, and media, ensuring that the content is factual, engaging, and well-told. In her work, she combines copywriting skills with experience gained in various professional environments — from healthcare to marketing and cultural projects.