Fungal infections in children: Doctors warn against wet swimwear and pool hygiene
Doctors are warning parents that wet swimwear, pool water and damp clothing can trigger fungal infections and other irritation in children during summer. They say early attention to symptoms and basic hygiene can prevent discomfort and complications.
Summer vacations often mean pool parties, water parks, family holidays, and long hours of outdoor fun for children. But while parents focus on keeping their children entertained and protected from heat waves, doctors are warning about another seasonal health issue that quietly arises during this time: fungal skin infections caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and poor hygiene habits.
According to doctors, many children spend hours in wet swimwear after swimming, especially during vacations and outdoor activities. Combined with high humidity and sweating, this creates the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to grow on the skin.
Experts say cases of skin infections, rashes, itching, and irritation tend to rise sharply during hot and humid months, particularly among children who spend frequent time in pools or water parks.
WHY CHILDREN ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Medical experts explain that children are more vulnerable because their skin barrier is softer and more sensitive than that of adults. Areas such as the neck, underarms, groin, feet, and skin folds remain warm and damp for long periods, allowing fungal organisms to grow easily. Many parents mistake the early signs for simple summer rashes or allergies and delay treatment until the infection spreads.
Dr Radhakrishna Hegde S, HOD and Lead Consultant – Paediatrics at Aster Whitefield Hospital, says that fungal infections become common during summer because children often remain in chlorine-soaked clothes for hours after swimming. He explains that moisture trapped inside tight or synthetic clothing weakens the skin’s natural protective barrier, increasing the risk of infections.
EARLY SIGNS PARENTS SHOULD NOT IGNORE
Doctors say fungal infections can appear in several forms. Common symptoms include redness, itching between toes, peeling skin, circular rashes, white patches, flaky skin, or tiny bumps in sweaty areas. In some cases, children may also complain of burning sensations, irritation, or discomfort while walking if the infection spreads to the feet.
POOL WATER CAN TRIGGER MORE THAN JUST SKIN PROBLEMS
Apart from fungal infections, swimming pools can also lead to other health problems if hygiene is not maintained properly. Dr. Alisher, Consultant Physician in Internal Medicine at Apollo One, Pusa Road, says poorly maintained chlorinated pool water can cause eye irritation, redness, dry skin, and ear infections. Children who spend long periods in pools may complain of itchy eyes, ear pain, or skin irritation after swimming, symptoms parents should not ignore.
SHARED TOWELS AND WET SURFACES INCREASE INFECTION RISK
Another concern doctors highlight is the habit of sharing towels, slippers, changing rooms, or sitting on wet poolside benches. Shared moist surfaces can carry fungal organisms and bacteria, especially in crowded public pools or water parks.
During vacations, families are often constantly travelling, making it easier for children to skip proper bathing, wear damp clothes repeatedly, or use unwashed towels out of convenience.
SIMPLE HABITS CAN HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS
Experts say simple preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Parents are advised to make children shower before and after entering the pool, dry their bodies properly, and immediately change out of wet swimwear into clean cotton clothes. Doctors also recommend avoiding tight synthetic clothing, using breathable footwear near pools, and ensuring towels are washed and dried properly after every use.
Hydration is equally important during summer months, as excessive sweating and heat can further irritate sensitive skin. Experts also warn parents against using steroid creams or self-medication without medical advice, as incorrect treatment can worsen fungal infections and make them harder to treat later.
AWARENESS AND HYGIENE ARE KEY DURING SUMMER
Doctors stress that swimming and outdoor play should remain enjoyable experiences for children during summer vacations. However, basic hygiene practices and early attention to warning signs can help families avoid infections, discomfort, and unnecessary medical complications.
As temperatures continue to rise across India, health experts say awareness among parents is the key to keeping children safe while still allowing them to enjoy their summer break.
Summer vacations often mean pool parties, water parks, family holidays, and long hours of outdoor fun for children. But while parents focus on keeping their children entertained and protected from heat waves, doctors are warning about another seasonal health issue that quietly arises during this time: fungal skin infections caused by prolonged exposure to moisture and poor hygiene habits.
According to doctors, many children spend hours in wet swimwear after swimming, especially during vacations and outdoor activities. Combined with high humidity and sweating, this creates the perfect environment for fungi and bacteria to grow on the skin.
Experts say cases of skin infections, rashes, itching, and irritation tend to rise sharply during hot and humid months, particularly among children who spend frequent time in pools or water parks.
WHY CHILDREN ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Medical experts explain that children are more vulnerable because their skin barrier is softer and more sensitive than that of adults. Areas such as the neck, underarms, groin, feet, and skin folds remain warm and damp for long periods, allowing fungal organisms to grow easily. Many parents mistake the early signs for simple summer rashes or allergies and delay treatment until the infection spreads.
Dr Radhakrishna Hegde S, HOD and Lead Consultant – Paediatrics at Aster Whitefield Hospital, says that fungal infections become common during summer because children often remain in chlorine-soaked clothes for hours after swimming. He explains that moisture trapped inside tight or synthetic clothing weakens the skin’s natural protective barrier, increasing the risk of infections.
EARLY SIGNS PARENTS SHOULD NOT IGNORE
Doctors say fungal infections can appear in several forms. Common symptoms include redness, itching between toes, peeling skin, circular rashes, white patches, flaky skin, or tiny bumps in sweaty areas. In some cases, children may also complain of burning sensations, irritation, or discomfort while walking if the infection spreads to the feet.
POOL WATER CAN TRIGGER MORE THAN JUST SKIN PROBLEMS
Apart from fungal infections, swimming pools can also lead to other health problems if hygiene is not maintained properly. Dr. Alisher, Consultant Physician in Internal Medicine at Apollo One, Pusa Road, says poorly maintained chlorinated pool water can cause eye irritation, redness, dry skin, and ear infections. Children who spend long periods in pools may complain of itchy eyes, ear pain, or skin irritation after swimming, symptoms parents should not ignore.
SHARED TOWELS AND WET SURFACES INCREASE INFECTION RISK
Another concern doctors highlight is the habit of sharing towels, slippers, changing rooms, or sitting on wet poolside benches. Shared moist surfaces can carry fungal organisms and bacteria, especially in crowded public pools or water parks.
During vacations, families are often constantly travelling, making it easier for children to skip proper bathing, wear damp clothes repeatedly, or use unwashed towels out of convenience.
SIMPLE HABITS CAN HELP PREVENT INFECTIONS
Experts say simple preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infections. Parents are advised to make children shower before and after entering the pool, dry their bodies properly, and immediately change out of wet swimwear into clean cotton clothes. Doctors also recommend avoiding tight synthetic clothing, using breathable footwear near pools, and ensuring towels are washed and dried properly after every use.
Hydration is equally important during summer months, as excessive sweating and heat can further irritate sensitive skin. Experts also warn parents against using steroid creams or self-medication without medical advice, as incorrect treatment can worsen fungal infections and make them harder to treat later.
AWARENESS AND HYGIENE ARE KEY DURING SUMMER
Doctors stress that swimming and outdoor play should remain enjoyable experiences for children during summer vacations. However, basic hygiene practices and early attention to warning signs can help families avoid infections, discomfort, and unnecessary medical complications.
As temperatures continue to rise across India, health experts say awareness among parents is the key to keeping children safe while still allowing them to enjoy their summer break.
