Dermatophytes in a swimming pool facility: difference in dermatophyte load in men's and women's dressing rooms.

Sir, The frequent dermatophyte infections of swimmer’s feet are most likely related to increased exposure to dermatophytes and maceration of skin (1). Fungal particles are shed from infected tissues and found on the floors of shared bathing facilities (2–5). Two studies have revealed a higher level of contamination in men’s dressing rooms than in women’s (2, 4), and a higher rate of tinea pedis in boys than girls has been reported (6). In a pilot study of dermatophyte contamination in a swimming pool facility in Reykjavı́k informal interviews with the swimming pool personnel indicated that the women’s area was cleaned more frequently and extensively than the men’s area. The aim of the present study was to confirm the differences observed in dermatophyte contamination between the respective dressing rooms and explore whether they were affected by standardization of cleaning methods.