Fungal Infections in Children’s Feet

Overview

Fungal infections of the feet (often called tinea or athlete’s foot) are common in school-aged children. They thrive in warm, moist environments like swimming pools, change rooms and inside sweaty shoes. While usually mild, they can be itchy and uncomfortable and may spread without early care.

Common Signs & Symptoms

• Itchy, stinging or burning skin between the toes
• Peeling, cracking or soft white skin (especially between toes)
• Red, scaly or dry patches on the soles or sides of the feet
• Small blisters or weepy areas in more irritated cases
• Unpleasant odour from prolonged moisture
• Toenail changes (discolouration, thickening) if nails become affected

How Children Catch It

Fungal organisms enter through tiny breaks in the skin and multiply in moist areas. Typical exposures include:

• Walking barefoot on communal floors (pool decks, showers, locker rooms)
• Wearing the same shoes every day without airing them
• Sweaty feet with non-breathable socks or footwear
• Sharing towels, socks or shoes with others

Common, Contagious — and Very Treatable

Early care settles symptoms quickly and reduces spread to family members.

When to Seek a Podiatry Review

Book an assessment if your child has:

• Itching, rash or cracking that lasts longer than 1–2 weeks
• Painful splits between toes or weeping areas
• Recurring infections despite over-the-counter creams
• Suspected nail involvement (discolouration, thickening, brittleness)
• Skin conditions that make diagnosis tricky (eczema/psoriasis)

What We Assess

• Location and extent of skin changes
• Moisture build-up between toes and footwear factors
• Any signs of secondary bacterial irritation
• Possible nail involvement (onychomycosis)
• Sport, swimming and school footwear routines

Treatment & Home Care

• Targeted antifungal creams or sprays (podiatry-guided)
• Gentle debridement of thick or scaly skin for better medicine contact
• Toe-space drying strategies (cotton toe separators or tissue wick temporarily)
• Daily sock changes; choose breathable cotton or technical sports socks
• Rotate shoes; allow 24–48 hours to air out
• Consider antifungal powders/sprays inside shoes during treatment
• If nails are involved, longer treatment plans may be needed

Quick Relief with Simple Daily Steps

Dry, treat, rotate footwear — and symptoms usually settle fast.

Prevention Tips

• Wear thongs in change rooms and at pools
• Dry carefully between toes after bathing and swimming
• Alternate shoes daily; use breathable footwear
• Change socks after sport or if feet get sweaty
• Don’t share towels, socks or shoes