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Athlete's Foot

Description / Symptoms

  • Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
  • The rash itches and burns
  • With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
  • Often involves the insteps of the feet
  • Unpleasant foot odor
  • Mainly in adolescents

Cause

A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)

If it doesn't look like athlete's foot, see Localized Rashes.

When to Call Your Doctor for Athlete's Foot

Call Your Doctor Now If:

  • Looks infected and fever is present

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

  • Pus is draining from the rash
  • Foot is very painful

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Rash has spread beyond the instep and toes
  • Age < 10 years
  • You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Antifungal Cream

Apply an antifungal cream 2 times per day:

  • Use Lamisil, Micatin or Lotrimin cream (no prescription needed)
  • Apply it to the rash and 1 inch beyond its borders
  • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is cleared

Keep the Feet Dry

Rinse the feet 2 times per day before applying the cream. Go barefoot or wear sandals as much as possible. Wear socks made of synthetic fibers. They will keep the feet drier and cooler than cotton. Change them twice daily.

Avoid Scratching

Scratching infected feet will delay a cure. Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.

Contagiousness

The condition is not very contagious. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin. Children with athlete's foot do not need to miss any school or sports. Your child may take gym and continue with sports. The socks don't need to be boiled.

Jock Itch Prevention

The athlete's foot fungus can be transmitted to your groin and cause Jock Itch (eg, via towel or washcloth). Therefore, after bathing, dry the groin area before the feet or use a separate towel for your feet until the athlete's foot is cured.

Expected Course

With proper treatment, athlete's foot usually disappears by 2 weeks.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • It looks infected
  • Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment
  • Rash is not gone by 2 weeks on treatment
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.