Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common superficial skin infection caused by dermatophyte fungi. This condition results in an itchy, scaly, and uncomfortable rash on the feet. While often associated with adults, children, particularly adolescents, are highly susceptible to developing this contagious fungal infection.
Why Children Are Susceptible to Tinea Pedis
The fungi that cause tinea pedis thrive in warm, dark, and damp environments. Children frequently encounter these conditions in public spaces like school locker rooms, communal showers, and swimming pool decks, often transmitting the fungi through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or shared items.
Children’s footwear habits also contribute to their vulnerability. Wearing tight-fitting, non-breathable shoes can trap moisture and heat, creating a perfect microclimate for fungal growth. Additionally, less meticulous foot hygiene, such as not completely drying the feet after bathing or swimming, leaves the skin vulnerable to the fungus.
Identifying the Signs of Infection
Tinea pedis most frequently begins as a scaly, itchy rash between the toes, often in the web space between the fourth and fifth digits. This area may show peeling, flaky, or cracked skin, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation.
The infection can also present as small, painful blisters on the sole or side of the foot. Another form, known as moccasin-type tinea pedis, appears as a dry, scaling pattern covering the entire sole. Unlike foot eczema, tinea pedis is concentrated on the soles and between the toes, and a foul odor may also be present.
Home Care and Medical Treatment Options
Treatment for most cases begins with over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medications. These products are available as creams, sprays, or powders and contain active ingredients like clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine. The medication should be applied twice daily to the rash and extended about one inch beyond the visible border of the infection.
Before application, the child’s feet must be washed gently and dried completely, paying close attention to the areas between the toes. It is important to continue treatment for the full recommended duration, usually one to two weeks, even if symptoms resolve sooner. Stopping treatment prematurely is the most common reason for recurrence. If the rash is severe, covers a large area, or does not improve after two weeks of diligent OTC treatment, consult a healthcare provider. In these persistent cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger topical agents or an oral antifungal medication.
Stopping the Spread and Future Infections
Preventing the spread and recurrence of athlete’s foot relies on consistent hygiene and environmental control. Instruct children to wash their feet daily and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel, especially between each toe. They should wear clean socks every day, ideally choosing moisture-wicking synthetic fibers to help keep the feet dry throughout the day.
In shared, damp areas, such as public pools or gym showers, children must wear protective footwear like sandals or flip-flops to avoid direct contact with contaminated floors. To prevent reinfection, shoes should be allowed to air out completely between wearings, and antifungal powder can be dusted inside them. Washing towels, bath mats, and bed linens in hot water can also help eliminate lingering fungal spores.