If you haven’t experienced Athletes foot in your lifetime, kudos! You can truly pick it up anywhere from public swimming pools to gym showers and the nail salon. Athlete’s foot, is an infection caused by a fungus, this type of fungus eats old skin cells and guess what! There is plenty of old dead skin cells on our feet! It’s a nasty little fungus but athletes foot treatment is relatively easy.
Signs and Symptoms
Athlete’s foot can be mild or severe:
- Cracked, blistered, or peeling areas, often between the toes
- Redness or scaling on the soles of the feet
- Skin between the toes may look yellow-ish or “cheesy” and may have an unpleasant odor
- Raw skin from scratching
- Bumps on the feet
- Burning rash
Treatment
Home remedies:
If your child has athlete’s foot, you can try using an over-the-counter anti-fungal powder, cream, or spray. There are several types to choose from at the pharmacy and are equally as effective if used properly. Never tear or scrape off the flaking skin; this may break nearby healthy skin and spread the infection.
Athlete’s foot can be insanely itchy at times, to soothe it your little one’s feet try the following methods:
- Take 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and mix it with just enough water to make a paste. Rub in the paste, rinse and thoroughly rinse and dry their feet and finish off with a dusting of talcum powder (remember to dust between the toes too).
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt to 500ml of warm water and let their feet soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat this soak at frequently until your child’s feet have healed completely.
How to Avoid Athlete’s Foot
- Tell your kids not to go barefoot, wearing flip flops insread in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others are also barefoot if they can avoid it
- Make sure your kids wear cotton socks and shoes that let feet breathe
- Remind your kids to never share shoes, socks, or towels
- If your child has athlete’s foot, wash their socks and towels in the hottest water possible
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