Mainly in teens. Before age 10, it's usually something else.
Cause
A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin
When to Call Us for Athlete's Foot
Call Us Now (night or day) If
Fever and looks infected (spreading redness)
Call Us Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
Looks infected and no fever
Pus drains from the rash
Foot is very painful
Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If
You think your child needs to be seen
Rash has spread to the top of the feet
Age less than 10 years
Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
Rash not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
You have other questions or concerns
Parent Care at Home If
Mild athlete's foot
CARE ADVICE FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT
What You Should Know:
Athlete's foot is common in teens.
It's caused by a fungus that grows best on warm, damp skin.
Here is some care advice that should help.
Antifungal Cream:
Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
Examples are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders.
Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
Keep the Feet Dry:
Rinse the feet 2 times per day before using the cream.
Go barefoot or wear sandals as much as possible.
Wear socks made of man-made fibers. They will keep the feet drier and cooler than cotton. Change them twice daily.
Do Not Scratch:
Scratching infected feet will delay a cure.
Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.
Return to School:
Athlete's foot is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
Children with athlete's foot do not need to miss any school. Your child may take gym and play sports.
The socks can be washed with the normal laundry. They don't need to be boiled.
Jock Itch Prevention:
The athlete's foot fungus can spread to the groin area. This is called jock itch.
The fungus can be spread by a towel or washcloth.
Therefore, after bathing, dry the groin area before the feet.
You can also use a different towel for the feet.
Do this until the athlete's foot is cured.
What to Expect:
With proper treatment, athlete's foot goes away within 2 weeks.
Call Your Doctor If:
It looks infected
Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
Rash is not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact us if your child develops any of the "Call Us" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Athletes Foot between Toes
Athlete's Foot
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: The FDA acknowledges that the ingredients in these cough and cold products have not been tested by today's standards to identify their levels of efficacy and safety. While further studies are pending, the manufacturers are voluntarily relabeling their recommended use of these products to "Do Not Use" in children less than 4 years of age. Given the need for further research, the dosages listed below are the current recommendations of our practice.
•Office Hours
