Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet. While often associated with teenagers and adults, this infection can also affect younger children and toddlers. The fungi responsible, called dermatophytes, thrive in warm, moist environments, making a toddler’s often-covered and sweaty feet susceptible to colonization. Conditions at home and in daycare can provide the perfect setting for this contagious infection to take hold.
Specific Ways Toddlers Contract the Fungus
Toddlers often contract tinea pedis through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items, as fungal spores can survive outside the body. Walking barefoot on floors that have been in contact with an infected person’s feet is a common transmission route. This includes home bathroom floors, especially after an adult or older sibling with the fungus has used the shower, or wet surfaces in a daycare environment.
The fungus is also easily transferred through shared personal items, such as towels, washcloths, and footwear. The constant warmth and moisture created by shoes and socks worn for long periods encourages fungal growth. If a family member has athlete’s foot or another fungal infection like ringworm, the toddler is at a higher risk due to close physical contact. The fungus can also spread from other parts of the toddler’s body, such as the groin or hands, if they touch an infected area and then their feet.
Identifying Athlete’s Foot in Young Children
Identifying tinea pedis in toddlers can be challenging, as the rash may resemble other common skin irritations. The infection typically presents as a scaly, flaky, or peeling rash, often beginning between the toes. The skin may also appear reddish or purplish, depending on the child’s skin tone, and can develop small, fluid-filled blisters.
A child with athlete’s foot may exhibit behavioral signs of discomfort, such as increased fussiness or frequently rubbing or scratching their feet. The rash is usually itchy and can cause a stinging or burning sensation. If the child scratches excessively, the skin may become raw and weepy, and an unpleasant foot odor may be noticeable.
Simple Steps to Prevent Infection
Maintaining a dry environment for your toddler’s feet is the most effective way to prevent fungal growth. After bathing or swimming, thoroughly dry the child’s feet, paying close attention to the skin folds between the toes. Since prolonged moisture is a risk factor, ensure your toddler wears clean socks made of cotton or moisture-wicking materials that allow the feet to breathe.
Changing socks frequently, particularly if they become damp from sweat, is an impactful habit. Alternate between pairs of shoes, allowing each pair at least 24 hours to completely dry out before being worn again. Avoid sharing footwear or towels with anyone to minimize the risk of transmission. Regularly cleaning the bathroom floor and bath toys, especially if an adult in the household has a fungal infection, helps limit fungal spores in the environment.
Treating the Infection
Mild cases of athlete’s foot in toddlers can be managed with over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays. These topical medications kill the fungi and stop the spread of the infection. Apply the medication exactly as directed, which typically involves treating the rash twice a day after washing and drying the feet.
Parents must continue the full course of treatment as recommended by the product instructions or a healthcare provider, even if visible symptoms clear up quickly. Treatment can last anywhere from one to six weeks depending on the severity of the infection. If the rash does not improve after one or two weeks of at-home treatment, if it spreads, or if signs of a secondary bacterial infection like fever or pus develop, a pediatrician should be consulted immediately.