Athlete's Foot

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

• Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
• The rash itches and burns
• With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
• Often also involves the insteps of the feet
• Unpleasant foot odor
• Mainly in teens. Before age 10, it's usually something else.

Cause of Athlete's Foot

• A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin

Other health problems of Athlete's Foot

• Jock Itch. A fungus infection of the groin and inner, upper thighs. Caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. Transferred by a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
• Impetigo. A local bacterial infection that starts in the cracks between the toes. Gives sores, soft scabs and pus.
• Cellulitis. The bacterial infection spreads into the skin. Gives redness spreading into the back of the foot. The red area is painful to the touch.
• Lymphangitis. The bacterial infection spreads up the lymph channels. Gives a red line that goes up the leg. More serious because the infection can get into the bloodstream. This is called sepsis.

1. What You Should Know About Athlete's Foot:
   • 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.
2. Anti-Fungal Cream:
   • Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin). No prescription is needed.
   • Use 2 times per day.
   • Put it on the rash and 1 inch (25 mm) beyond its borders.
   • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
3. 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.
4. Do Not Scratch:
   • Scratching infected feet will delay a cure.
   • Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. What to Expect:
   • With proper treatment, athlete's foot goes away within 2 weeks.
8. 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
   • You think your child needs to be seen
   • Your child becomes worse