Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

     Background & Aim: Tinea pedis is one of the most prevalent fungus infections in humans. Since moist conditions probably favor growth of the fungus, the role of swimming pools has been well established in the propagation of dermatophytic foot infections.

  Since swimming pools are the most important places for flare-up of clinical symptoms in asymptomatic persons and propagation of infections,and also the treatment of tinea pedis is time-consuming and expensive therefore, it is better to try for prevention of infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of tinea pedis in swimmers of the west pools of Tehran city in 2007. Yet preventive measures were taken by detecting and referring infected swimmers to medical centers.

  Patients and Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2007, in ten swimming pools selected randomly from the swimming pools of regions under the supervision of Iran University of medical sciences. Feet and toe clefts of 2500 regular swimmers, who went to the swimming pool at least once a week, were examined by a dermatologist and from the lesions clinically suspected to be tinea pedis, samples were taken and sent to the laboratory of mycology for direct smear and culture.

  Results: Of the 2500 swimmers(1850 males and 650 females) ranging from 5 to 70 years of age, 16 individuals (0. 64%) including 12 males (0. 65%) and 4 females (0. 62%) showed positive culture for dermatophytes The infection was more prevalent in swimmers with an age range of 46-55 years. The main dermatophytes involved in tinea pedis in swimmers were: Epidermophyton floccosum 8 cases (50%), Trichophyton mentagrophyte, var. interdigital 4 cases (25%), and Trichophyton rubrum 4 cases (25%). Other organisms isolated from culture media included Candida, Corynebacterium minutissimum, Aspergillus niger, bactiria and saprophytes.

  Conclusion: Our study revealed that tinea pedis was not frequent among swimmers.