I have been diagnosed with a fungal skin infection. Can I keep going to the swimming pool, the sea or the sauna? Is it better to cover the lesion with a dressing?

Hello Javier,

This is a very common question and I'm glad you're asking it, because appropriate care is just as important as the treatment itself.

In general, if you have a fungal skin infection (cutaneous mycosis), I do not recommend going to saunas or steam baths while the lesion is active. Heat and humidity create an environment that encourages fungal growth and can delay healing.

As for the swimming pool or the sea, they are not absolutely forbidden, but it is preferable to avoid them until the infection is clearly under control, especially if the lesion is extensive or located in areas where it spreads easily, such as the feet. There is also the risk of passing it on to other people through shared damp surfaces, such as showers or changing rooms.

If, for some reason, you cannot avoid bathing, it is important to dry the area very thoroughly immediately afterwards, apply the antifungal treatment as directed, and always use a clean towel for your personal use only.

Another very frequent question is whether it is advisable to cover the lesion with a dressing or a bandage. In most cases, the answer is no. Fungi thrive better in warm, humid environments, and an occlusive dressing can encourage maceration of the skin, hinder healing and even facilitate a bacterial superinfection.

The ideal approach is to keep the lesion clean, dry and exposed to the air whenever possible, to wear breathable cotton clothing and to avoid tight garments if the infection affects areas of friction.

It is also worth remembering that the treatment must be maintained for the length of time indicated by the doctor, even if the lesion appears to have disappeared, since stopping it too soon is one of the most frequent causes of relapse.

Finally, if you notice that the lesion is rapidly increasing in size, or that pus, intense pain, fever or significant redness appears around the affected area, it is advisable to come back for a consultation, as a bacterial infection requiring a different treatment may have developed.

With good hygiene measures and by following the treatment correctly, most fungal infections heal without leaving any after-effects.

I hope I have resolved your question. Warm regards.