Control of Tinea Pedis in a Swimming Bath

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Abstract
Random samples of the weekly entry of bathers to a swimming pool were examined for tinea pedis and verruca before and at intervals after the supply of individual sachets of foot powder to all bathers. Over three and a half years the overall incidence of tinea pedis decreased from 8·5% to 2·1%, and in adult males it decreased from 21·5% to 6·9%. The incidence of infection with Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. interdigitale decreased from 5·3% to 0·5%, and the incidence of infection with T. rubrum (1·2%-1·1%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (0·9%-0·5%) did not change significantly. The incidence of verruca decreased from 4·8% to 1·2%. Issuing foot powder clearly minimizes the spread of infection and is recommended for general use.