Children's Athlete's Foot Treatment
Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Pediatric Athlete's Foot
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- About Athlete's Foot
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Treatment
- FAQ's
What is Athlete's Foot in Children?
A bothersome fungal skin disease called athlete’s foot, officially known as tinea pedis, typically starts between the toes and quickly spreads throughout the base of the feet.
Athlete’s foot affects people of all ages, but can be more common in children and adolescents. It’s especially prevalent in those who often wear tight-fitting shoes, experience sweaty feet, and walk in common areas with bare feet.
Athlete’s foot is caused by the same fungal infection as ringworm and jock itch. Antifungal drugs can be used to treat it, but the illness frequently returns if precautions are not taken, such as getting rid of infected shoes and socks.
Continue reading to learn more about how athlete’s foot affects kids and how it can be treated. To schedule a consultation, please reach out to our staff.
Trusted Pediatric Foot & Ankle Care • Thousands of children treated by Dr. Mikkel Jarman, DPM, FACFAS
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?
One or both feet may be inflicted by athlete’s foot and common indications and symptoms include:
- Skin that is flaky, peeling, or cracked between the toes
- Itching, particularly after removing shoes and socks
- Depending on your skin tone, inflamed skin may seem reddish or purple
- Stinging, itching, or burning sensation
- Blistering during different stages
- The bottom of the foot has dry, scaly skin that moves up the side
Consult your doctor if the rash on your feet doesn’t go away or improve after a week or two of using an over-the-counter antifungal medication for self-care.
See a doctor right away if you have any other infection-related symptoms, such as fever, pus in the afflicted region, or swelling.
What Causes Athlete's Foot in Children?
- Fungal infection – Athlete’s foot is caused by fungal organisms like Trichophyton or Epidermophyton that thrive in warm, moist environments. The fungi infect the top layers of skin on the feet.
- Going barefoot – Walking barefoot in public showers, pools, locker rooms etc exposes feet to fungal spores on surfaces. The damp warm setting promotes fungal growth.
- Sharing footwear/equipment – Sharing shoes, socks, towels or other items with an infected person can transmit fungus.
- Sweaty feet – Excess sweat creates a moist environment that allows fungi to proliferate, especially between the toes.
- Minor skin injuries – Small cuts or cracks in the skin can provide an entry point for fungi.
- Weakened immunity – Children with conditions like diabetes or immunosuppression are more prone to fungal infections.
- Using public facilities – Swimming pools, locker rooms and showers harbor fungus and increase infection risk if feet are not protected.
- Age and gender – Athlete’s foot is more common in teens and boys due to increased sweating and outdoor/sports activities.
- Warm climate – Warm, humid conditions provide ideal fungal breeding grounds.
- Tight, non-breathable shoes – Trapping moisture and heat in shoes creates a perfect environment for fungi.
How Is Children's Athlete's Foot Diagnosed?
There are telltale signs, such as shape, color, and texture, of the infected area of someone with athlete’s foot that quickly help a doctor identify the condition. As mentioned, the same fungus causes ringworm, which can cause the ring-shaped rash for some with athlete’s foot.
Doctors can also conduct a skin test if they are unsure whether symptoms are being caused by a fungal infection or, for example, an allergic reaction.
The most frequent diagnostic procedure for athlete’s foot is a skin lesion potassium hydroxide examination. A little portion of the diseased skin is scraped off by a doctor and placed in a solution of potassium hydroxide. Because KOH destroys normal cells but does not affect fungal cells, the latter are preserved and may be easily seen with a microscope.
How is Athlete's Foot in Children Treated?
There are several effective over-the-counter topical antifungal drugs that are used in treating athlete’s foot. Your doctor may recommend topical or oral antifungal drugs with prescription strength if over-the-counter treatments are ineffective in treating the infection.
To aid in the healing of your child’s illness, your doctor may also suggest at-home remedies.
A common treatment performed at home is for the patient to soak their feet in diluted vinegar or salt water to eradicate the infection and help blisters dry up.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Children's Athlete's Foot
Yes, children and teenagers can absolutely get athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). It is actually more common in kids who play sports, wear tight shoes, walk barefoot in public areas, or have sweaty feet. Boys and teens tend to be at higher risk due to increased physical activity and sweating.
In children, athlete’s foot typically appears as itchy, scaly, or peeling skin between the toes. Other signs include cracked skin, burning or stinging sensations, blisters, and dry scaly skin along the bottom and sides of the foot. The skin may also appear reddish or discolored depending on your child’s skin tone.
Children most commonly catch athlete’s foot by walking barefoot in damp public areas like pool decks, locker rooms, and communal showers. It can also spread through sharing shoes, socks, or towels with an infected person. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments
Yes, athlete’s foot is highly contagious. It can spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated surfaces, clothing, and linens. It is important to avoid sharing footwear and to use foot protection in public areas to reduce the risk of spreading it.
Athlete’s foot in children is often treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. If the infection doesn’t respond to OTC treatments, a pediatric foot specialist may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications. Home remedies such as soaking feet in diluted vinegar or salt water may also help relieve symptoms and dry up blisters.
You should see a doctor if your child’s rash does not improve after one to two weeks of over-the-counter antifungal treatment. Seek medical attention right away if your child develops fever, swelling, pus, or other signs of a secondary infection. A pediatric foot specialist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
A doctor can usually diagnose athlete’s foot by visually examining the affected skin. If the diagnosis is uncertain, they may perform a skin lesion potassium hydroxide (KOH) test, which involves gently scraping a small amount of skin and examining it under a microscope to confirm the presence of fungal cells.
Yes, athlete’s foot can recur if preventive measures are not taken. Discarding infected shoes and socks, keeping feet dry, wearing breathable footwear, and using foot protection in public areas are all important steps to prevent reinfection after treatment.
To help prevent athlete’s foot, encourage your child to wear flip-flops or sandals in locker rooms, pool areas, and public showers. Make sure they wear moisture-wicking socks, change socks regularly, and avoid sharing shoes or towels. Keeping feet clean and dry is the most effective prevention strategy.
Athlete’s foot and ringworm are caused by the same type of fungus. The difference is location — athlete’s foot affects the feet (tinea pedis), while ringworm affects other areas of the body and may produce a ring-shaped rash. The same antifungal treatments are used for both conditions.
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