Did you know that children have a higher incidence of fungal foot infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus than adults? The reason being that children are not as concerned with where they walk and keeping their feet clean. At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we’d like to offer the following do’s and don’ts to parents to help prevent children from contracting a fungal foot infection.

Do: make sure your child has a pair of easy, slip-on shoes to wear at the lake, beach, pool, or any other public place that tends to see lots of water and bare feet. These are the types of places where fungal infections love to lurk, and they are transmitted by direct contact. Even a quick trip to the bathroom or the changing area can result in picking up an infection if feet are not covered.

Don’t: let your child sit in damp socks. If your child has been running around and their feet get sweaty, have them change their socks. A child whose feet tend to sweat excessively may benefit from a dusting of talcum powder each morning before putting on socks.

Don’t: allow your children to wear shoes without socks. Bacteria and fungi can grow in the shoes and combine with the sweat from your child’s feet to cause infection and foot odor. It’s also a good idea to alternate footwear so that shoes have a chance to air out in between wearing them.

Do: tell your child not to share flip-flops or other shoes, towels, socks, soap, or other items that touch another child’s foot.

Do: wash your child’s feet every day with warm water and soap. If you notice redness, dry skin, flaking or blisters, or if your child complains of itchy feet, contact our Long Beach office for an appointment by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria M. Foley or Dr. Constance Ornelas, will examine your child’s feet and determine if a fungal infection is present.