Self-Care Guidelines
If you suspect that your child has athlete's foot, you might try one of the following over-the-counter antifungal creams or lotions:
- Terbinafine
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
Apply the cream between the toes and to the soles of both feet for at least 2 weeks after the areas are completely clear of lesions.
In addition, try to keep your child's feet dry, creating conditions where the dermatophyte cannot live and grow. Have your child try the following:
- Wash his or her feet daily and dry them carefully, even using a hair dryer (on low setting) if necessary.
- Use a separate towel for the feet, and do not share this towel with anyone else.
- Wear socks made of cotton or wool, and change them once or twice a day, or even more often if they become damp.
- Avoid wearing shoes made of synthetic materials such as rubber or vinyl.
- Wear sandals as often as possible.
- Apply antifungal powder to the feet and inside the shoes every day.
- Wear protective footwear in locker rooms and public or community pools and showers.
When to Seek Medical Care
If the lesions do not improve after 2 weeks of applying over-the-counter antifungal creams, or if they are exceptionally itchy or painful, see your child's doctor for an evaluation. If your child has blisters, pustules, and/or ulcers on the feet, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Signs and Symptoms
