David in Normandy wrote:
On 03/09/2010 15:49, Ian B wrote:

Of course it's always advisable to avoid getting a cut dirty. There
are lots of diseases that like to make their way into the body via a
dirty wound. Legionella isn't one of them.


Interesting. I did wonder if it was an over-reaction by what is
becoming an overly elfin safety conscious society. I am surprised so
many gardeners wear gloves though to handle compost. It sounds like
it may be a wise thing to do?

Last year I ended up with a fungal infection on both knees - I think
it was due to kneeling on the bare soil while planting seedlings and
wearing shorts. It took three months to get rid of the infection with
anti-fungal creams - it was damn persistent. I guess the abrasion of
the soil on the bare skin was enough to introduce the spores under
the skin, especially while putting weight on my knees.

I've just been kneeling and planting more seedlings today, but kept
stout jeans on despite the heat. My back just won't take stooping for
long nowadays.

I'd certainly want more evidence than one case which amounts to no more than
hearsay.

As to knees, my mum had a "kneeler" for gardening which both protected her
knees and made it more comfortable too. Perhaps a worthwhile investment?
Even a dustbin liner would help stop knees getting ground into the soil.


Ian