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Understanding Athlete’s Foot in Kids and Teens

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on feet, often starting between the toes. While it can affect anyone, kids and teens are especially prone due to their active lifestyles, frequent use of communal spaces like locker rooms at the swimming pool, changing rooms and gyms, and hormonal changes that can increase sweat production. If your teen has itchy, peeling, or red skin on their feet, it might be athlete’s foot.

Here is an extensive guide specifically tailored to parents on which signs and symptoms to look for, and how to treat and prevent athlete feet for children and teens. For a deeper understanding of the condition, visit our article What is Athlete’s Foot.

Read on to Discover

Why Kids and Teens are More Likely to Get Athlete’s Foot

During adolescence, kids and teens often participate in sports or other activities that involve communal areas such as gym floors, locker rooms, and showers—prime environments for fungi to thrive. Tight-fitting or non-breathable shoes can trap moisture, creating the perfect conditions for athlete’s foot to develop.

If you’re wondering, can kids get athlete’s foot? The answer is yes, and teens are particularly vulnerable.

How Athlete’s Foot Can Impact Teens

The symptoms of athlete’s foot can range from mild discomfort to more noticeable issues like cracked skin or blisters. While it’s not typically serious, the condition can make kids or teens self-conscious, especially if they’re hesitant to take off their shoes around friends or during activities.

Encouraging your kid to treat the condition promptly is a helpful way to maintain their comfort and confidence.

Daily Habits to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Teaching teens to adopt good foot hygiene can go a long way in preventing athlete’s foot. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Wash and dry feet thoroughly: Encourage your kid to pay special attention to drying between the toes, as moisture here can lead to fungal growth.
  • Change socks daily: Wearing fresh, clean socks every day reduces the chance of bacteria and fungi lingering. If they ask, can you wear socks two days in a row?—it’s better not to. Fresh socks help maintain proper foot hygiene and reduce the conditions that allow fungi to thrive (e.g. moisture control, and improved ventilation).
  • Use breathable shoes: Shoes made from natural materials or those designed for airflow help keep feet dry.
  • Flip-flops in shared spaces: Wearing sandals or flip-flops in locker rooms, showers, or pool areas can help prevent exposure to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Learn more about Athlete’s Foot – Treatment and Prevention for practical advice.

What to Do If Your Kid or Teen Has Athlete’s Foot

If your kids and teen show signs of athlete’s foot, there are steps you can take to manage it at home. Over-the-counter products like LamisilAT Cream (only for +12), can often help clear it up. If your kids are under the age of 12, we advise you to consult with a doctor before starting any treatment.

When starting treatment for your kids and teens from the age of 12, we encourage supporting them in sticking to the full treatment plan, even if symptoms improve quickly, as this ensures the fungus is fully treated.

For cases that persist or worsen, a healthcare professional might recommend stronger treatments. Discussing symptoms with a podiatrist can provide additional guidance.

How to Prevent Spreading Athlete’s Foot at Home

Blisters on the feet are a common but manageable issue. By understanding their causes and taking preventative measures, you can reduce discomfort and protect your skin. If a blister shows signs of infection or becomes particularly painful, consulting a healthcare professional is advised.

For blisters related to Athlete’s Foot, consider incorporating Lamisil cream into your care routine to help relieve symptoms effectively.

Encouraging Long-Term Foot Health in Kids and Teens

The best way to avoid athlete’s foot in the future is to teach kids how to care for their feet consistently. Healthy habits like regular foot hygiene, avoiding walking barefoot in communal spaces, and wearing breathable shoes help reduce the risk of reinfection.

Conclusion: Confident, Healthy Feet for Active Kids and Teens

Athlete’s foot is a common issue, but with the right habits and care, it’s manageable. Kids and teens can stay active and confident while maintaining good foot health. Whether you’re treating athlete’s foot now or looking for ways to prevent it, these tips can help your kid keep their feet healthy and happy.

For more information about managing athlete’s foot, check out our articles What is Athlete’s Foot and Athlete’s Foot Treatment & Prevention.

FAQ: Athlete’s Foot in Kids and Teens

What can be mistaken for athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis, which can also cause redness, itching, and peeling skin. In some cases, conditions like ringworm or a bacterial infection may resemble athlete’s foot. If you’re unsure, you can read our articles on “athletes foot or eczema” or “psoriasis or athletes foot”, but if in doubt, it’s helpful to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What should I do if my child has athlete’s foot?

Start by encouraging good foot hygiene, such as washing and thoroughly drying their feet daily. For children above the age of +12, over-the-counter antifungal treatments, like LamisilAT Cream, can be effective for mild cases. Make sure your child avoids walking barefoot in shared spaces and doesn’t share towels or socks to prevent spreading the infection. If the condition doesn’t improve after a few weeks of treatment, or if it worsens, consider consulting a healthcare professional. We also recommend for any treatment for kids below the age of 12, to seek medical advice from your doctor, to secure a safe treatment process designed to the specific age.

Will minor athlete’s foot go away?

Mild cases of athlete’s foot may resolve with consistent hygiene and over-the-counter treatments. However, leaving it untreated can allow the infection to spread or become more severe. Prompt care, such as using antifungal creams and keeping feet clean and dry, is the best way to ensure it clears up completely.

Should you go to school if you have athlete’s foot?

Yes, kids and teens with athlete’s foot can attend school as long as they take precautions to prevent spreading it. Ensure they wear socks and closed-toe shoes at all times to avoid contact with shared surfaces. Encourage them not to remove their shoes during the day and to follow good hygiene practices at home to minimize the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Sources

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279549/
www.nhs.uk/conditions/athletes-foot/
www.rdash.nhs.uk/documents/foot-care-for-children-and-teenagers/