There are certain truths about life as a massage therapist that the public may not recognize, such as just how much of the job is doing laundry! Reducing the risk of disease transmission requires clean sheets for each client. Fungal diseases mandate that LMTs pay such attention to hygiene. Let’s define fungal diseases, understand how they are transmitted, review symptoms to watch out for, and outline how massage therapists can reduce or eliminate the risk of spreading fungal infections.
What are Fungal Diseases?
Fungal diseases are caused by pathogenic members of the fungi family. There are over 300 pathogenic fungi which cause all kinds of problems for human health, from the annoyance of athlete’s foot to death by aspergillus. Distinct from both plants and animals, fungi are characterized by: a. The presence of chitin in their cell walls, and b. unique cell structures, which are either long and tubular filaments or single-cell, as in yeasts. Most fungi reproduce via spores, but a small number reproduce via budding or fragmentation. (“Fungi,” 2025).
Massage therapists must be on the lookout for superficial tinea fungal diseases which thrive in warm, moist environments and eat the keratin protein in human skin. Savvy LMTs must beware the following tinea fungi:
Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) – Scaly, red, raised skin patches in round or oval shapes, typically found on nonhairy areas of the body such as the limbs, face, and trunk. It is named for its rounded growth patterns, not any affiliation with a worm.
Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris) – So-called because it is made worse by athletic activity and sweating, it is exacerbated by tight-fitting clothing. Typically originating in the groin, it may spread to the buttocks and inner thighs, and appears as itchy, dry, scaly skin patches surrounded by a red border. Jock itch may be spread by skin-to-skin contact, or through contaminated towels, clothing, and sheets.
Nail Fungus (Tinea Unguium) – White or yellow nails that may be elevated above the nail bed characterize this fungal disease of the foot. It is more common among people with challenged circulation, such as the elderly and those with type two diabetes. It may be spread by skin contact or contact with clothing, towels, and sheets.
Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) – People often contract this fungal foot disease by not wearing shoes in public spaces, such as gyms and pools. It often appears as discolored, flakey skin on the sole and between toes, and causes a burning itch which only worsens when shoes and socks are removed. The skin may flake, crack, and ooze a clear liquid. If the person itches their infected feet, the fungus may move to their hands as well. Nail fungus may be comorbid.
How LMTs can Reduce the Risk of Fungal Diseases
- Use barriers when working with infected areas and individuals. If you have contracted a nail fungus, wear gloves for treatment. If a client has an infection, use the sheet or gloves as a barrier. Ask the client how widespread jock itch is; avoid these areas.
- Disinfect all surfaces after the massage.
- Contaminated linens from such sessions should be labeled and kept in separate laundry baskets. Wash these linens as soon as possible with bleach on the hottest setting available; the water should be a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature. If there is a sanitization setting available on the washing machine, use it.
- Remove and dispose of gloves after treatment and wash your hands with hot, soapy water.
- Wash and sanitize laundry hampers using the above specifications.
Conclusion
To learn more about how to run a safe, clean massage therapy practice, we recommend taking CE on this topic of massage. Portland LMTs can sign up for massage therapy classes at our Portland campus, located in the education district. Browse our upcoming classes to keep your massage license current at our LMT Continuing Education page, or call us to learn more at 503-233-6500.
Sources
Fungus. (2025, September 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungus
Morien, A. (2013, March 1). Fungus facts. Massage Therapy Journal. https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-and-fungus/
Salvo, S. (2017, May 4). Fungal skin infections and massage. Susan Salvo’s Massage Passport. https://massagepassport.wordpress.com/2017/05/04/massage-fungal-infections/#:~:text=PART%202%20OF%205:%20Fungal,how%20to%20disinfect%20contaminated%20linens.
