• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
Expert's grim warning to anyone who walks around the pool barefoot on holiday

Home> News> Health

Published 13:16 28 Apr 2024 GMT+1

Expert's grim warning to anyone who walks around the pool barefoot on holiday

Your holiday could take a turn for the worst if you aren't careful near the pool

Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair

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.

Advert

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.

Floating around in a pool is a serene feeling, but what about how you get around when you get out? (Getty Stock Photo)
Floating around in a pool is a serene feeling, but what about how you get around when you get out? (Getty Stock Photo)

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.

Advert

"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.

Advert

It is crucial that you use footwear to avoid contracting these things. (Getty Stock Photo)
It is crucial that you use footwear to avoid contracting these things. (Getty Stock Photo)

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.

Advert

Pool shoes are recommended, which are usually not made of cloth or mesh.

Note taken.

Featured Image Credit: Getty stock photos

Topics: Health, Travel, Holiday, Science

Joshua Nair
Joshua Nair

Joshua Nair is a journalist at LADbible. Born in Malaysia and raised in Dubai, he has always been interested in writing about a range of subjects, from sports to trending pop culture news. After graduating from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Media, Journalism and Publishing, he got a job freelance writing for SPORTbible while working in marketing before landing a full-time role at LADbible. Unfortunately, he's unhealthily obsessed with Manchester United, which takes its toll on his mental and physical health. Daily.

X

@joshnair10

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
4 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Lidl releases limited edition 'Oasis' jacket that's perfect for 'getting the badge in'

    The supermarket giant shares some history with frontman Liam Gallagher

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    University bans transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and strips her of titles

    Personalised apology letters were sent out to athletes who were beaten by the swimmer

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Man revealed what he heard whilst in coma that left him requiring world-first face transplant

    Joe DiMeo's life was transformed forever when he fell asleep at the wheel of his Dodge Challenger in July 2018

    News
  • 4 hours ago

    'Mounjaro Hair' is the new side effect of the weight loss drug people are worried about

    The GLP-1 medication has become hugely popular as a weight loss drug

    News
  • Urgent warning issued to anyone who sleeps with air-con on overnight as Brit is hospitalised
  • Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone who's booked a holiday for this year
  • Airport baggage handler issues warning to anyone who ties a ribbon on their suitcase
  • Martin Lewis issues important warning to Brits abroad to avoid sneaky £6 charge