What to Do If Your Child Has Foot Fungus

Stuck in shoes and sweaty socks, your child's feet are breeding grounds for fungus. We'll tell you what to do if your child has foot fungus in this article.
What to Do If Your Child Has Foot Fungus

Written by Óscar Dorado

Last update: 16 November, 2022

Feet are perfect for fungi because sweaty skin creates the ideal environment for it to grow. Generally, foot fungus grows between toes, but it can also extend to the ball of the foot.

Additionally, it can spread to the sides and even the nails. In severe cases, foot fungus can even cause blisters to form.

If the fungi infection is moderate, with just one or two lesions between the toes, we recommend preventing the infection from spreading. That way, you can prevent contaminating other things.

In general, the infection can spread in public places. For example, swimming pool floors, bathrooms, saunas, hotel rooms, and hallways. In addition, it can happen when feet sweat and stay wet for a long time.

What to do if your child has foot fungus

There are many treatments for foot fungus, depending on the severity of the infection. These are called anti-fungal treatments.

These treatments include medications that can take different forms: gel, cream, powder, spray or tablet. In fact, some are available in pharmacies without needing a prescription.

Before applying a product, we recommend disinfecting the affected area. In addition, regularly bathe your foot to help the treatment work like it’s supposed to.

If the symptoms get worse, it’s best to consult your doctor to adjust your treatment. Consulting a specialist is the best way to get the type of treatment you need. Also, it depends on where the foot fungus is located.

Certainly, foot fungus transmits through direct contact between people in contaminated environments. For example, it can spread in changing rooms, swimming pools, saunas, etc. Likewise, using other people’s objects and clothes is also a way to easily transmit foot fungus.

What to Do If Your Child Has Foot Fungus

How can I prevent my child from getting foot fungus?

Without a doubt, the most important thing is to take care of their feet to prevent fungus. Here are some practical tips to make sure kids keep their feet clean:

  • Always keep them clean, dry and fresh.
  • Wash their feet daily with soap and water
  • Dry the skin between their toes very well.
  • Use an absorbent powder.
  • Opt for absorbent cotton or wool socks.
  • Don’t let them wear tight shoes.
  • Change their socks after excessive sweating.

“There are many treatments for foot fungus, depending on the severity of the infection. These treatments include medications that can take different forms: gel, cream, powder, spray or tablet.”

What to do if your children have foot fungus

To completely eliminate fungus on your children’s feet, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Limit the humidity

The first piece of advice is to use baby powder to dry their feet. That way, you can limit one of the factors that fungal infections love: moisture.

2. Disinfect the area

Disinfecting the area where fungi are found is extremely important. Then, apply medications that fight fungal infections, usually anti-fungal creams.

Natural plants have medicinal properties that are very beneficial to get rid of this infection. Therefore, they naturally have fungus-fighting properties.

3. Apply essential oils

Applying essential oils are very effective and economical. You can use lavender oil, tea tree oil, or sweet almond oil.

4. Baths with baking soda

Baking soda can be a very valuable ally to overcome foot fungus. To do this, mix four to five tablespoons of this natural element in a liter of warm water.

Next, put the child’s feet in the tub for about 15 minutes. Then, dry them thoroughly and don’t leave a single trace of liquid between his toes.

Finally, to get all the benefits of baking soda, sprinkle a small amount on the child’s socks. This way, it will absorb the humidity throughout the day from all his activities.

What to Do If Your Child Has Foot Fungus

5. Apply anti-fungal creams

To make the treatment as effective as possible, apply anti-fungal creams on the foot as soon as possible. Do it immediately after you notice the first signs of fungus. These include redness, blisters, fissures or cracks.

6. Don’t walk barefoot

When your child goes to places like swimming pools, beaches, saunas or steam baths, always avoid walking barefoot. Always have him wear flip flops or sandals in shared spaces and wet areas. Additionally, they should be plastic to avoid contamination and moisture.

Finally, remember that, in the vast majority of cases, you can treat foot fungus with over-the-counter medicine. The treatment lasts 2 to 4 weeks, and works in 80% of cases. If the infection is particularly painful, extensive or doesn’t improve with treatment, seek medical attention.

 


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.