Is this your child's symptom?
- An itchy rash of the feet and between the toes
- Skin infection caused by a fungus
- Age over 10 years
Next Steps
Causes
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.
Care Advice for Athlete's Foot
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
When to see a Doctor
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now
- Fever and looks infected (spreading redness)
Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours
- Looks infected and no fever
- Pus drains from the rash
- Foot is very painful
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Rash has spread to the top of the foot
- 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
Self Care at Home
- Mild athlete's foot
If NOT, try one of these:
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.