Can You Safely Bathe in a Hot Tub with a Fungal Infection?

Paronychia, onychomycosis, athlete's foot, and jock itch, are a few common fungal infections. Unfortunately, hot tubs present a higher risk, especially for individuals with a pre-existing fungal infection. Fungi are likely to thrive in such environments. A fungal infection can make individuals think twice about using hot tubs for relaxation or bathing purposes.

Understanding Fungal Infection Safety

Fungal infections thrive on organic matter, such as keratin (found in skin). In a hot tub, keratin is abundant, acting as a feeding ground for fungi. Bacteria or fungi colonize keratin in natural environments where keratin is abundant. Going into a hot tub increases the risk of a fungal infection becoming worse due to organic matter.

Research conducted by a leading dermatological study group on medical hot tub use highlights that in an environment rich with keratin and microbes, individual safety might be at risk. "A hot tub's environment could indeed exacerbate fungal infections by being rich in organic matter like keratin and providing microorganisms with the ideal condition to thrive," says Dr. Leslie Baumann, professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and a leader in dermatological research.