Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection that primarily affects children, though it can occur at any age. It typically presents as reddish sores that may burst, ooze fluid, and then form a honey-colored crust. This infection is highly contagious, raising concerns about its potential spread in various environments, including swimming pools.
How Impetigo Spreads
Impetigo primarily spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with fluid from infected sores, common in environments with close physical contact like daycares, schools, and contact sports. It can also spread indirectly through contaminated items like towels, clothing, bedding, and toys that have touched an infected person’s sores. The bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, often enter the skin through minor breaks like cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or existing skin conditions such as eczema.
Impetigo and Water Environments
While impetigo is highly contagious, the risk of contracting it directly from properly maintained swimming pool water is low. The bacteria do not survive effectively in chlorinated water; chlorine acts as a disinfectant, making the bacteria nonviable in chlorinated water within an hour if disinfectant levels are adequate. The main risk of transmission in aquatic settings comes from direct skin-to-skin contact or sharing contaminated items around the pool area, such as towels or contact with uncovered lesions on the pool deck. Public pools are required to maintain specific chlorine and pH levels to effectively kill most germs, thereby reducing the chance of waterborne transmission.
Swimming Safely with Impetigo
Individuals with active impetigo lesions should avoid swimming in public pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water. This recommendation is in place to prevent the spread of the infection to others through direct contact. The infection can be transmitted if others come into contact with the infected skin, or with items like swimsuits or towels that have touched the sores. It is advised to refrain from swimming until sores are completely healed or at least 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment, provided sores are no longer weeping or crusting. Covering the lesions with a waterproof bandage might be considered if swimming is unavoidable, but staying out of the water is the safest approach to prevent transmission and avoid worsening the infection.
Minimizing Risk in Public Pools
Practicing good hygiene reduces the overall risk of skin infections, including impetigo, in public aquatic environments. Showering thoroughly with soap before and after swimming helps remove sweat, oils, and potential contaminants from the skin. Avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels, razors, and clothing is also a preventive measure. Promptly cleaning and covering any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds with a watertight bandage before entering the water can prevent bacteria from entering the skin. Regular handwashing with soap and water is also important, especially after using shared facilities.