Ok, so I have this dust mite allergy. When it flares up, it looks pretty darn bad.
I feel kinda like a creep getting in the pool with my skin looking that way (it's usually just on the lower part of my calves, which get the most exposure to dust from carpets), but on the other hand I know it's nothing that's going to harm anyone, even if they were to play footsie with me.
Right now it's looking kinda bad, and I'm conflicted. I still practice because, well, I don't want to lose out on pool time, obviously. But I'm very self-conscious whenever I walk out onto the deck.
So what do y'all think?
Is it ok to dive on in, as long as I know I'm not putting anyone's health at risk, even though it might make other swimmers go "Ewww!"? Or am I being inconsiderate?
PS: I swim at a gym, not on a team, so I can't simply explain the situation to my poolmates.
Parents
Former Member
Probably more danger of catching staph from benches, deck, doors at the pool than from the pool water itself. Be very careful about casual contact between broken skin and surfaces.
I got MRSA when athlete's foot caused cracks between toes offering a point of entry for bacteria. It was nasty.
Actually the MDs said often the bacteria is already colonized on your skin but your immune system is able to keep it at bay as long as it doesn't get through a break in the skin. I believe he mentioned that staph likes living around your nose; your hands can easily transfer it elsewhere.
Probably more danger of catching staph from benches, deck, doors at the pool than from the pool water itself. Be very careful about casual contact between broken skin and surfaces.
I got MRSA when athlete's foot caused cracks between toes offering a point of entry for bacteria. It was nasty.
Actually the MDs said often the bacteria is already colonized on your skin but your immune system is able to keep it at bay as long as it doesn't get through a break in the skin. I believe he mentioned that staph likes living around your nose; your hands can easily transfer it elsewhere.
