Community Health Network

Athlete's Foot
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Athletes Foot between Toes

Athlete's Foot

Definition

Fungus infection of the feet
Causes itchy rash between the toes

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. Prior to age 10, itâ€™s usually something else.

Cause

A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin

If not, see these topics

It doesn't look like athlete's foot, see RASH - LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	Looks infected and fever is present
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	Pus is draining from the rash Foot is very painful
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You think your child needs to be seen Rash has spread beyond the instep and toes Age under 10 years Rash continues to spread after 1 week on treatment Rash not gone by 2 weeks on treatment You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Mild athlete's foot and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR ATHLETE'S FOOT

Antifungal Cream: Â 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: Â
- Rinse the feet 2 times per day before applying the cream. Â
- Go barefoot or wear sandals as much as possible. Â
- 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: Â
- The condition is not very contagious. Â 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. Â
- 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 (e.g., 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 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

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 10/1/2006

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online