It's almost May, which means it's very nearly holiday season - but one expert has issued a stern warning over a common holiday habit many of us are guilty of.
The tropical or sunny weather at your getaway destination awaits, and whether you prefer resting in the same spot on holiday or prefer sightseeing, I think we can all agree that taking a dip in a swimming pool with an ice cold drink in hand is an unrivalled feeling.
It's the perfect way to cool down after cooking in the sun for a few hours, but following your sun tan, you'll probably walk over to the pool barefoot, with the feeling of the warm floor having an almost welcome holiday feeling.
It's the most comfortable way to walk around during your break, but it turns out that you actually should 'never' walk around barefoot near a pool.
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In fact, according to an expert, despite it seeming harmless, it will expose you to a number of health risks that could turn your holiday into a nightmare if you're not careful.
Gabriel Miller, an expert at Gatsby Shoes has sent the warning out to holiday goers this summer to avoid a 'distressing nightmare', explaining why footwear is key.
Miller explains that pool decks are often breeding grounds for microscopic pests like bacteria, viruses and fungi due to the environment, which is often warm and moist. Lovely.
He goes on: "Walking barefoot exposes you to pathogens like plantar warts, athlete's foot, and ringworm, which thrive in these conditions.
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"These organisms can easily invade small cuts or abrasions on unprotected feet, leading to uncomfortable and sometimes serious infections."
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and it can easily be avoided by wearing appropriate footwear.
If contracted, these warts develop on the soles of your feet and are painful, needing professional treatment.
The highly contagious fungal infection of Athlete's Foot is also a possibility if you walk around barefoot, which brings on symptoms of itching, redness, and cracking skin, particularly between the toes.
Ringworms often use poolsides as a breeding ground too, a fungal infection that causes ring-shaped, red, itchy patches on the skin.
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Pool decks can also cause falls without footwear, so there's another reason to listen to the advice.
Miller continues: "Wet surfaces around pools are extremely slick, and going barefoot increases the risk of losing your balance and suffering a fall.
"Unexpected sharp edges on pool decks can easily cut skin, making you more susceptible to infections in a high-bacteria environment."
He also says to get separate footwear to wear by the pool, as footwear you may have worn elsewhere may contaminate the pool deck and you could be spreading pathogens.
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Pool shoes are recommended, which are usually not made of cloth or mesh.
Note taken.
Joshua Nair