A non-obvious danger of frequent swimming in pools has identified

Regular visits to a swimming pool can lead to infection with molluscum contagiosum - a viral skin infection that is transmitted through contact with an infected person or objects. Medical professionals from Xiannan University reminded the public of this after a case involving a young woman from Henan Province who developed numerous skin eruptions after more than 20 days of regular swimming. This was reported by the publication Huanqiu Shibao.

According to local media, the young woman started going to the swimming pool during her summer break in order to lose weight. Some time after visiting the pool, more than 20 small growths appeared on her skin. Doctors diagnosed molluscum contagiosum.

The disease is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. Typically, small rounded bumps of flesh-colored or whitish appearance with a characteristic central indentation resembling a navel appear on the skin.

"The infection can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, through shared towels and other items, as well as through scratching the lesions, which transfers the virus to other areas of the body. The moist environment of swimming pools and shared bathing facilities creates conditions in which this route of transmission becomes more likely," the medical professionals explained.

Doctors warn: if a suspicious growth is discovered, one should not attempt to squeeze or remove it on their own. This can lead to the spread of the infection to other areas of the skin, bacterial inflammation, and scarring.

For prevention, specialists recommend using your own towels and swimming accessories, avoiding the pool if you have skin injuries, and showering and changing into clean clothes after swimming. If characteristic eruptions appear, you should consult a dermatologist.