Skip to main content

We make finding a doctor in the UAE free, transparent, and easy.

Zavis

What should you know about impetigo and swimming?

How the structures involved in Impetigo differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Impetigo differ from normal

Short answer

Avoid swimming while impetigo sores are open, wet or draining, because contact can spread infection to other people and skin.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Swimming
Pause while sores are open, wet or draining
Shared items
Do not share towels, clothing or grooming items
Skin care
Clean gently and cover sores when practical

Why the pool matters

Impetigo spreads through contact with infected sores, fluid, contaminated hands and shared items. Pool water does not make an active infection safe to share, and changing rooms, towels and close contact can add opportunities for transmission. Chlorine may also sting or irritate broken skin.

Crusted areas can still be infected, especially if the crust is soft, coming away or surrounded by new sores. Read about [Crusting Skin](/symptoms/skin-crusting/) if you are unsure what you are seeing. A clinician can also check whether eczema or [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) is contributing to the rash.

What to do now

Pause swimming and close-contact sports until a clinician confirms it is sensible to return and the sores are no longer open or draining. Keep lesions clean, dry and covered when possible. Do not share towels, goggles, clothing, bedding or grooming items. Wash hands after applying any medicine and launder used towels and clothing.

Use the treatment recommended for you rather than relying on pool water or home remedies. Care may include [Topical Antibiotic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antibiotic-therapy/) or [Antibiotics For Skin Infection](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antibiotic-therapy-for-skin-infection/), depending on the examination.

When to seek care

Get medical advice if sores multiply, extend beyond the original area, become increasingly painful, or fail to settle with the recommended plan. Seek prompt care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, severe tenderness, or sores near the eye. Tell the clinician about pool exposure and anyone else who has developed similar sores.

Questions for your doctor

When can I safely return to swimming? Should the sores stay covered, and do household contacts need advice? Which treatment is appropriate for the number and location of my lesions?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can I swim if the sores are covered?

Ask a clinician before returning; a dressing may not prevent spread in a shared pool or changing area.

Can impetigo spread through a towel?

Yes. Keep personal towels and clothing separate and wash them after use.

Related

Related reading

Keep reading

More on this

Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.