Children’s Athletes Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. This fungus eats old skin cells. And plenty of them can be found on the feet! It’s called athlete’s foot because athletes often get it. The fungus grows on the warm, damp surfaces around pools, public showers, and locker rooms. People walk barefoot on these surfaces and fungus ends up on their feet. Or they might use a damp towel that has the athlete’s foot fungus on it. But anyone can get this infection. People with sweaty or damp feet are at risk. 

The team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois has diagnosed and treated countless cases of Athlete’s foot in both adults and children. Because children often don’t follow hygiene practices as strictly as adults and are barefoot more often, there is an increased risk of exposure to Athlete’s Foot fungus. Our specialists can easily diagnose cases and provide a range of treatment options to clear them up!

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Cases of athlete’s foot can range from slightly annoying to seriously uncomfortable. A kid who has it might have a rash that itches and burns. Other signs include:

• Bumps on the feet
• Cracked or blistered skin
• Redness on soles of the feet
• ‘Build up’ between the toes, with bad smell 
• Raw skin from persistent scratching

How Parents Can Help Prevent Pediatric Athlete’s Foot

There are hygiene practices that parents can encourage their kids to follow to prevent exposure to Athlete’s Foot. Incorporating the following actions into your daily hygiene routine can greatly reduce the risk and keep your child’s feet free of irritation:

• Wash your feet in the shower and dry thoroughly
• Sometimes go barefoot at home — especially at night.
• Wear sandals around pool areas, public showers
• Wear fresh socks every day and change out of wet socks
• Spray your child’s shoes with a disinfectant and occasionally leave them in the sun to kill germs
• Don’t share towels or footwear with others
• Keep the home bathroom clean — especially showers and tub floors

Athletes Foot Treatment Options

A doctor can usually diagnose athlete’s foot by examining the skin on your feet. The NIH estimates as much as 25% of the population may have some form of athlete’s foot at a given time. Your doctor may scrape off a skin sample to test for fungus or bacteria. This process is virtually painless, taking only the top layer of skin Treatment options include:

• Dr.Hyderi can apply medicinal powder or cream that kills fungus. With results appearing in days after applying 
• Actively ensure your child’s feet are dry
• Keep your child’s shoes off when at home, fungus has trouble spreading in open air/sunlight
• Dr. Hyderi may prescribe stronger medicine, either oral or topical antifungal medication

Consult with a medical professional as soon as symptoms present themselves to ensure that it doesn’t have the chance to spread or worsen. Advanced cases of fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot won’t just clear up on their own.

Pediatric Athletes Foot Treatment in Algonquin, IL

If you believe your child is exhibiting symptoms of Athlete’s Foot or would like more information on preventative measures to keep them from contracting the fungus, reach out to the team at Foot and Ankle Specialists of Illinois for more information. Call our offices or schedule a consultation online today!