Why Your 'Beach Feet' Might Be Making You Sick: Sandworms & Bacteria in Grenada

There's nothing more Grenadian than kicking off your shoes and walking barefoot on our beautiful beaches. Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, Magazine Beach—the soft sand between your toes feels like heaven. But that carefree barefoot stroll might be exposing your beach feet to some unwelcome visitors.

Let's talk about the hidden dangers lurking in Caribbean sand—and how to enjoy our beaches safely.

The Sandworm Problem: What You Can't See Can Hurt You

You've probably heard the warnings about walking barefoot where stray dogs roam. There's a reason for that concern, and it has a name: Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM), commonly called "sandworms" or "creeping eruption."

Here's how it works: dogs and cats infected with hookworms pass eggs in their feces. On the beach, these eggs develop into larvae in the warm, moist sand. When your bare beach feet make contact, the larvae can burrow into your skin.

The result? A red, incredibly itchy, snake-like rash that "creeps" under your skin as the larvae migrate. It's not life-threatening, but it's miserable—the itching can last for weeks.

In Grenada, beaches where stray animals roam are higher risk. This includes less-maintained beaches, areas near fishing villages, and even parts of popular beaches that are less frequently raked or cleaned.

Signs Your Beach Feet Have Picked Up Something

Within one to five days after beach exposure, watch for these warning signs on your beach feet or anywhere skin touched sand.

Cutaneous Larva Migrans appears as a red, raised, winding track under the skin, usually on feet or buttocks (where you sat in the sand). Intense itching is the hallmark, often worse at night. The track moves a few millimeters each day as the larvae migrate.

Bacterial infections from sand can look different. You might see redness, swelling, and warmth around a cut or scrape that was exposed to sand. Pus or discharge from the wound and increasing pain rather than decreasing are warning signs that need attention.

Fungal infections, while slower to develop, thrive in our tropical climate. Watch for peeling or cracking skin between toes, persistent itching, and thickened or discolored toenails over time.

The Bacteria You Can't See in the Sand

Beyond parasites, Caribbean beach sand can harbor bacteria that cause problems for your beach feet—especially if you have any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds.

Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) has been found in beach sand worldwide. If you have a wound and it contacts contaminated sand, infection can set in.

Vibrio bacteria, found in seawater and coastal sand, can cause serious wound infections. People with diabetes, liver disease, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

E. coli and other fecal bacteria can be present in sand near areas with poor sanitation or heavy animal traffic.

This doesn't mean all beach visits are dangerous—millions of people enjoy Grenada's beaches safely every year. But understanding the risks helps you protect yourself.

High-Risk Areas and Activities for Beach Feet

Certain situations increase your risk of picking up something unpleasant through your beach feet.

Walking barefoot in areas with stray dogs or cats significantly increases hookworm risk. The more animal feces in an area (even if you can't see it), the higher the larvae population in the sand.

Sitting or lying directly on the sand exposes more skin. Your buttocks and thighs are just as vulnerable as your feet to larvae.

Going to the beach with open wounds is risky. That small cut on your toe? It's an entry point for bacteria. Cover it with a waterproof bandage or skip the beach until it heals.

After heavy rains, beach bacteria levels spike. Runoff carries fecal matter and other contaminants to coastal areas.

Walking barefoot at night increases risk because you can't see what you're stepping in.

Protecting Your Beach Feet in Grenada

You don't have to give up beach time—just be smart about protecting your beach feet.

Water shoes or sandals are your best defense. Yes, walking barefoot feels better, but a thin barrier between your skin and the sand blocks larvae from penetrating. Look for quick-drying styles made for beach use.

Beach chairs or towels create a barrier between you and the sand. Don't lie directly on the beach, especially in areas frequented by animals.

Stick to maintained beach areas when possible. Beaches that are raked and cleaned regularly have lower parasite loads than wild or unmaintained areas.

Rinse your feet thoroughly after beach visits. Fresh water helps wash away any larvae before they can penetrate. Don't wait until you get home—rinse at the beach if facilities are available.

Check your feet regularly for several days after beach exposure. Early treatment for CLM is simple; waiting until the infestation spreads makes it more complicated.

Treatment If You've Already Been Infected

If you suspect your beach feet have picked up a parasitic or bacterial infection, here's what to do.

For suspected sandworms (CLM), see a doctor. The standard treatment is an antiparasitic medication called ivermectin or albendazole. It's very effective, but you need a prescription. Don't try to "wait it out"—untreated, the itching can last two to eight weeks.

For bacterial wound infections, clean the wound with fresh water and antiseptic. Watch for signs of spreading infection such as red streaks, increasing pain, or fever. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen—you may need antibiotics.

For fungal infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams can help mild cases. If the infection doesn't improve in two to three weeks, see a doctor for stronger treatment.

Enjoying Grenada's Beaches Safely

Our beaches are one of Grenada's greatest treasures. Understanding the risks to your beach feet doesn't mean living in fear—it means making informed choices.

Millions of visitors and locals enjoy our beaches every year without incident. But if you or your children start itching after a beach day, now you'll know what to look for—and how to get help quickly.

Have you ever dealt with a beach-related foot problem in Grenada? Share your experience in the comments to help others recognize the signs.