Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Strains from Skin of Terrestrial Amphibians
Published on: June 17, 2025
Cutaneous Fungal Infections in Greek Competitive Swimmers: A Cross-Sectional, Self-Reported Study
Eleni Sfyri1, Niki Tertipi1, Vasiliki-Sofia Grech1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, GR-12243 Athens, Greece.
Background/Objectives:
Cutaneous fungal infections, specifically tinea pedis, pityriasis versicolor, and tinea unguium (onychomycosis), are common yet under-researched in swimming. This study aimed to evaluate their prevalence and associated risk factors among competitive swimmers in Greece.
Methods:
An anonymous questionnaire was administered to 1047 participants, comprising parents of minor swimmers and adult athletes. Data collected included demographics, infection history, training characteristics, and hygiene behaviors.
Results:
The overall prevalence was 16% for tinea pedis, 3.2% for pityriasis versicolor and 3.3% for tinea unguium. Infection rates increased significantly with age and cumulative training years. Behavioral analysis revealed that placing towels and clothes on communal benches was associated with tinea pedis (p = 0.031) and pityriasis versicolor (p < 0.007). Sharing kickboards correlated with all three infections, while sharing flip-flops was specifically linked to tinea pedis and tinea unguium. Family history was a strong predictor for pityriasis versicolor.
Conclusions:
This study highlights the high prevalence of fungal skin infections in Greek swimmers, likely due to moisture exposure, shared equipment, and specific hygiene habits.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Antifungal Agents
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The Skin Microbiota
Staphylococcal Skin Infections

