Fungal Nail Infection And Swimming

 Published: 8^th Jan 2018 | Updated: 25^th Aug 2026 Fungal Nail Infection

Feet are the hardest-working part of our bodies and are often neglected. We walk thousands of steps every day, and our feet are confined to socks and shoes. Feet can easily get warm and moist due to sweat, which creates the perfect environment for a fungal nail infection to develop.

If you love being in the water, the good news is that there is no medical reason to stop you from swimming with a fungal nail infection. While the condition is not a serious health risk for most people, it does cause the nails to become discoloured, thickened, and unevenly textured.

Many people dislike the appearance of infected nails and try to hide them. The condition is highly contagious, but mostly if you share washing facilities or walk barefoot in communal areas with an infected person.

The main reason people seek treatment is that their nails look unsightly, and pairing a fungal nail infection with summer flip-flops is a look most want to avoid. Successful treatments work by penetrating the nail plate or coating it with a protective layer, allowing the medication to effectively eradicate the fungi.

Causes of a Fungal Nail Infection

You can usually tell if you have a fungal nail infection because your nail will become yellow, white, or brown, and develop a bumpy, thickened texture. The infection typically starts at the edge of the nail before moving towards the centre and covering the entire nail plate.

Eventually, the nail becomes brittle, and pieces of it may crumble or fall off. Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, just like the inside of your shoes. Because we use our feet constantly, keeping them completely dry can be a challenge.

A fungal nail infection is not a serious condition unless you suffer from diabetes or a weakened immune system. If you have diabetes, any foot damage or infection can cause serious complications, so it is vital to bypass self-treatment and visit your doctor or podiatrist immediately for specialised diabetes foot care. You can also get fungal infections in your fingernails, and if left completely untreated, the infection can permanently damage the nail bed.

Treatments For Fungal Nail Infections

Antifungal creams are a common choice for superficial skin infections, but they often fail when it comes to nails because they rub off easily and cannot properly penetrate the hard nail plate.

This is where a specialised nail lacquer like Curanail is highly effective. These treatments act like a waterproof varnish, protecting the active medication so that it remains locked into the nail bed to fight the infection continuously.

Curanail Loceryl contains 5% Amorolfine, a powerful antifungal agent that kills fungi and yeasts. It works by destroying the fungal cell membranes, causing the infection to break down and die, while keeping the nail protected from subsequent infections as it grows out.

Because these treatments are topically applied directly to the nail rather than taken internally, systemic side effects are incredibly rare. Some people may notice mild, localised brittleness or discolouration of the nail. Skin irritation, allergic reactions, or a mild burning sensation around the nail are very rare side effects. If you do experience any irritation, stop using the treatment immediately and consult your pharmacist or GP.

Why It’s OK to Go Swimming

Public swimming pools are treated with chemicals like chlorine to prevent the spread of waterborne infections. While the chemicals in the water will not cure your underlying fungal infection, they do help protect other swimmers from catching it while you are submerged in the water.

However, you will need to wear beach shoes or flip-flops when walking around the side of the pool, in communal changing rooms, or in shared showers, as there is no chemical protection on these wet surfaces.

Swimming in the sea or a lake is also highly unlikely to spread the infection due to the sheer volume of water and natural dilution. To ensure you protect your own feet and protect others, practising good fungal nail prevention by wearing sandals in public areas is an excellent habit.

Can Chlorine Kill Toenail Fungus?

A very common question among swimmers is: does chlorine kill toenail fungus? The short answer is no.

While chlorine is an excellent sanitiser for keeping pool water clean and limiting the spread of surface-level bacteria and fungi, it cannot penetrate the hard keratin layer of your infected toenail. It will not cure an established infection nestled deep inside the nail bed. To clear the infection completely, you must use a dedicated, targeted fungal nail treatment.

Can You Go in a Hot Tub with Toenail Fungus?

Yes, you can use a hot tub, but you should take extra precautions. Hot tubs operate at much warmer temperatures than standard swimming pools. Because fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, the wood or plastic seating areas directly surrounding a hot tub can become hotspots for fungal spores.

While the treated water itself minimises risk to others, you should always wear flip-flops right up to the edge of the tub and dry your feet thoroughly immediately after getting out to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading to surrounding skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you swim with toenail fungus?

The question of whether you can swim with toenail fungus is a common worry, but there is no medical reason to avoid the pool. The risk of transmitting the infection whilst actively swimming in properly chemical-treated water is exceptionally low.

Can chlorine kill nail fungus?

No. While chlorine sanitises the pool water to protect others, it is not strong enough or formulated to penetrate the nail plate to cure an active, deep-seated infection.

Can swimming pools spread fungal nail infections?

The water itself is safe, but the damp, communal surfaces surrounding swimming pools (like changing room floors, corridors, and communal showers) are primary locations for spreading infections. Always wear clean flip-flops in these zones.

Should you cover a fungal nail infection when swimming?

You do not need to wear a physical plaster or waterproof bandage over the nail while swimming. However, applying a protective, water-resistant antifungal nail lacquer as part of your treatment regimen will help keep the medication intact while you are in the water.

Can an athlete's foot spread at swimming pools?

The transmission of athlete's foot at swimming pools is very common. The fungus that causes athlete's foot is identical to the one that causes fungal nail infections. Walking barefoot on wet, communal pool tiles allows these fungal spores to easily transfer from one person's foot to another. You can explore targeted relief on our athlete's foot and fungal infection pages.

Can you wear nail polish while treating fungal nail infections?

Standard cosmetic nail polish should be avoided during treatment, as it creates an airtight seal that can trap moisture and feed the fungus. However, some medicated lacquers allow for specific usage, or you can use speciality breathable polishes once the active infection is cleared. Always check the patient information leaflet for your specific treatment.

Can fungal nail infections go away on their own?

No. Fungal nail infections are notoriously stubborn and will not clear up without intervention. Left untreated, the infection will likely spread to other toes, worsen in severity, and can eventually lead to pain, crumbling nails, or secondary bacterial skin infections.