Definition

• Fungus infection of the feet
• Causes an itchy rash on the feet and between the toes
• Mainly occurs in teens

Health Information

Symptoms

• Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes. Often, also involves the insteps of the feet.
• The rash itches and burns. With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy.
• Feet may smell bad.
• Mainly in teens. Before age 10, it’s usually something else.

Cause

• A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin of the feet.

Prevention of Recurrent Athlete’s Foot

• Keep the feet clean and dry. Change socks if they are damp.
• The fungus can’t grow on dry, normal skin.

Care Advice

1. Overview:
   • 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.
2. Antifungal Cream:
   • Use an antifungal cream 2 times per day.
   • Examples are Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream. No prescription is needed.
   • Put it on the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders.
   • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
3. 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.
   • The socks can be washed with the normal laundry. They don’t need to be boiled.
4. Do Not Scratch:
   • Scratching infected feet will delay a cure.
   • Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.
5. Prevention of Jock Itch:
   • 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.
6. What to Expect:
   • With proper treatment, athlete’s foot goes away within 2 weeks.
7. Return to School:
   • Children with athlete’s foot do not need to miss any school. Your child may take gym and play sports.
   • Athlete’s foot is not easily spread to others. The fungus can’t grow on dry, normal skin.

Call Your Doctor If

• 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

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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