Why Verrucas Love the Locker Room: How to Avoid Picking One Up at the Gym or Pool
If you're someone who enjoys swimming, going to the gym, or attending fitness classes, you might already know that these environments can sometimes be a breeding ground for foot-related issues. One of the most common—and irritating—problems we see at Achilles Foot Clinic is the verruca.
Also known as plantar warts, verrucas are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as small, rough growths on the soles of your feet and are often mistaken for corns or calluses. But unlike those, verrucas are viral, contagious, and often painful, especially when pressure is applied while walking or standing.
Why Locker Rooms and Pools Are Hotspots
The virus responsible for verrucas thrives in warm, moist environments—exactly the conditions found in gyms, swimming pool areas, communal showers, and changing rooms. These spaces see a lot of barefoot traffic, making it easy for HPV to spread from one person to another through microscopic breaks in the skin.
Even if you’re careful about your hygiene, you can pick up a verruca simply by walking barefoot in a communal area where the virus is present. And once you've got one, they can be surprisingly stubborn to get rid of.
Who's at Risk?
Everyone is susceptible, but children, teenagers, and those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk. Athletes and swimmers are also more prone due to frequent exposure to communal environments and damp conditions. If you already have dry or cracked skin, your chances of picking up the virus increase.
Signs You Might Have a Verruca
A small, rough patch on the sole of your foot
Black dots in the centre (tiny clotted blood vessels)
Pain when standing or walking
Disruption to the normal lines and ridges of your skin
If you’re unsure whether it’s a verruca or something else, a quick consultation with a podiatrist can make all the difference.
Prevention Tips: How to Protect Your Feet
1. Wear Flip-Flops or Swim Shoes
Always wear protective footwear in communal areas. That includes the gym shower, changing room, poolside, and even sauna areas.
2. Keep Feet Dry and Clean
After your workout or swim, dry your feet thoroughly—especially between the toes. Verrucas love moisture, so keeping your skin dry is key.
3. Don’t Share Towels or Footwear
Avoid borrowing someone else's towel, socks, or shoes. Sharing these can easily transfer the virus from one person to another.
4. Cover Cuts or Scrapes
If you have any open cuts or broken skin on your feet, cover them before entering communal spaces. This reduces your risk of infection.
5. Use Antiviral Sprays or Powders
Some over-the-counter foot sprays and powders have antiviral or antifungal properties that can help protect your feet in high-risk areas.
6. Keep Your Immune System Strong
Your body’s immune system is your first line of defence against viruses, including HPV. Eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest.
What If You Already Have a Verruca?
Don’t panic—verrucas are very common and treatable. At Achilles Foot Clinic in Ballincollig, we offer a range of treatment options including cryotherapy (freezing), salicylic acid treatments, and Swift Microwave Therapy, a cutting-edge, non-invasive approach that helps stimulate your body’s natural immune response to the virus.
Early treatment not only reduces pain but also helps prevent spreading it to others—or to other areas of your own foot.
Final Thoughts
A good workout or swim session should leave you feeling energised—not worried about picking up a painful verruca. By following a few simple steps, you can protect your feet and enjoy all the health benefits of staying active.
And if you suspect you've already picked one up, give us a call. At Achilles Foot Clinic, we’re here to help you get back on your feet—pain-free and verruca-free.
