Public swimming pools, communal saunas, and baths are often seen as safer options for a swim than open natural waters because they are regularly cleaned and disinfected. Yet they can pose real infection risks when hygiene routines slip or personal habits lapse. A discussion with therapist Andrei Kondrakhin on Channel Five emphasized that vigilance matters even in these controlled environments, where the aim is comfort and health rather than inconvenience.
In baths and swimming facilities, the probability of skin infections remains. Kondrakhin pointed out that toenail fungus and other dermatological issues can take hold if cleanliness practices aren’t followed consistently. He stressed that some people underestimate the danger or delay seeking medical advice, allowing problems to worsen instead of getting timely help.
Fungal spores can land on healthy skin and, under favorable conditions, grow into noticeable infections. This is more than a cosmetic concern: untreated skin infections can cause discomfort, limit mobility, and spread to others through shared surfaces and towels if hygiene is not properly managed.
Beyond fungi, the therapist warned about bacterial and parasitic contaminants. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus may be present in pool water or on surfaces that have not been cleaned thoroughly. Even rare organisms can appear in public facilities, and the risk increases when water is swallowed accidentally or when hands touch the face after contact with pool or sauna equipment.
Dermatologist Yulia Gallyamova added that there is a danger of contracting conditions such as scabies or lice in public bathing and locker room spaces. These infections can spread through close contact, sharing of towels, or touching someone else’s clothing or underwear. The emphasis is on routine hygiene practices and minimizing direct contact with others’ belongings in communal areas.
She also noted that open water carries its own set of risks worth taking seriously. Caution is advised when swimming in lakes and rivers, especially where wildlife is abundant or where water quality is uncertain. In these environments, currents and sediment can carry contaminants, and animal activity can influence the presence of pathogens. Avoiding high‑risk areas, particularly in warmer months when bacterial growth can be rapid, helps protect health and reduces unnecessary exposure.
Both professionals highlighted practical steps to minimize risk in shared aquatic spaces. First, showering before and after swimming helps remove surface microbes and lowers the chance of transferring organisms to others. Second, avoiding swallowing water and keeping the head above water when possible reduces exposure. Third, using personal protective measures such as flip‑flops in changing areas and bringing personal towels can limit contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Finally, if irritation, rash, itching, or unusual symptoms appear after swimming or bathing, timely medical advice is advised to prevent a condition from becoming more serious. In addition, drying and cleaning feet thoroughly after sessions can help prevent fungal infections from taking hold in the nails and surrounding skin. By staying informed and mindful, individuals can enjoy these facilities with reduced health risks while showing courtesy and consideration for fellow patrons. This guidance comes from Kondrakhin and Gallyamova, based on a Channel Five interview, underscoring practical hygiene habits that protect everyone.