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Athlete's Foot

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Definition

  • An itchy rash of the feet and between the toes
  • Skin infection caused by a fungus
  • Age over 10 years

Symptoms of Athlete's Foot

  • Red, scaly, cracked rash between the toes
  • The rash itches and burns
  • With itching, the rash becomes raw and weepy
  • Often also involves the insteps of the feet
  • Unpleasant foot odor
  • Mainly in teens. Before age 10, it's usually something else.

Cause of Athlete's Foot

  • A fungus infection that grows best on warm, damp skin

Other health problems of Athlete's Foot

  • Jock Itch. A fungus infection of the groin and inner, upper thighs. Caused by the same fungus that causes athlete's foot. Transferred by a towel used to dry the feet and then the groin.
  • Impetigo. A local bacterial infection that starts in the cracks between the toes. Gives sores, soft scabs and pus.
  • Cellulitis. The bacterial infection spreads into the skin. Gives redness spreading into the back of the foot. The red area is painful to the touch.
  • Lymphangitis. The bacterial infection spreads up the lymph channels. Gives a red line that goes up the leg. More serious because the infection can get into the bloodstream. This is called sepsis.
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When To Call

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

  • Fever and looks infected (spreading redness)

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

  • Looks infected and no fever
  • Pus drains from the rash
  • Foot is very painful

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Rash has spread to the top of the foot
  • Age less than 10 years
  • Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
  • Rash not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

  • Mild athlete's foot
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Care Advice

What You Should Know About Athlete's Foot:

  • Athlete's foot is common in teens.
  • It's caused by a fungus that grows best on warm, damp skin.
  • Here is some care advice that should help.

Anti-Fungal Cream:

  • Use an anti-fungal cream (such as Lotrimin AF). No prescription is needed.
  • Use 2 times per day.
  • Put it on the rash and 1 inch (25 mm) beyond its borders.
  • Continue the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.

Keep the Feet Dry:

  • Rinse the feet 2 times per day before using the cream.
  • Go barefoot or wear sandals as much as possible.
  • Wear socks made of man-made fibers. They will keep the feet drier and cooler than cotton. Change them twice daily.

Do Not Scratch:

  • Scratching infected feet will delay a cure.
  • Rinse the itchy feet in cool water for relief.

Return to School:

  • Athlete's foot is not easily spread to others. The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
  • Children with athlete's foot do not need to miss any school. Your child may take gym and play sports.
  • The socks can be washed with the normal laundry. They don't need to be boiled.

Jock Itch Prevention:

  • The athlete's foot fungus can spread to the groin area. This is called jock itch.
  • The fungus can be spread by a towel or washcloth.
  • Therefore, after bathing, dry the groin area before the feet.
  • You can also use a different towel for the feet.
  • Do this until the athlete's foot is cured.

What to Expect:

  • With proper treatment, athlete's foot goes away within 2 weeks.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • It looks infected
  • Rash is not better after 1 week on treatment
  • Rash is not gone after 2 weeks on treatment
  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Your child becomes worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

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Photos

Athlete's Foot between Toes

Athlete's foot is often located between the toes. The skin is dry and cracked.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLC
From the Dr. James Fitzpatrick Collection of Pediatric Dermatology. Used with permission.

Athlete's Foot

This shows the bottom of a foot with athlete's foot. The skin is dry and cracked.

Source: Self Care Decisions, LLC
From the Dr. James Fitzpatrick Collection of Pediatric Dermatology. Used with permission.

Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Copyright 2000-2025 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC.
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