Why do people stand on towels in communal changing rooms?

Foot infection is widespread

Did you know that of 5.2 million UK gym memberships over 50% people surveyed stated quality of changing facilities as the key choice influencer? Wet floors are everywhere, and by the way – the most prolific use of communal changing areas is at swimming pools, and swimming is the most popular sports activity in the UK!

From Clinical Review:

When discussing tissue viability in the lower limb, much attention is focused on the role of bacterial infection. However, fungal skin infection is a more frequent and more recurrent pathogen which often goes undetected by the practitioner and patient alike. Potentially, untreated fungal foot infections can facilitate secondary problems such as superficial bacterial infections, or, more seriously, lower limb cellulitis. Often simple measures can prevent fungal foot infection and therefore reduce the possibility of complications.

From NHS: The Human Papilloma Virus

(HPV) is a family of viruses that affect the skin and moist membranes (mucosa) that line the body. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV. Different strains are responsible for different types of warts. Spreading the virus – HPV is passed through close skin-to-skin contact. It can also be transmitted by indirect contact – for example, from contaminated objects, such as towels, shoes, areas surrounding swimming pools, or surfaces and floors of communal changing areas.

There is a real need to be aware of the type of infections that can be picked up from communal changing room floors and surrounding areas of swimming pools and gyms.