Cracked feet in children is most likely due to the fungal infection athlete's foot, which is contagious and common in children, but also easily treated with an over-the-counter medication. If you think your child has athlete's foot, you should try an over-the-counter medication. If the symptoms do not clear up within a few weeks, you should contact your child's pediatrician.
Causes
Athlete's foot is the result of a fungal infection that develops on the foot or between the toes. The fungi infect the superficial layer of the skin resulting in the basal skin layer producing more skin cells in response to the fungal growth. These cells push to the surface and become thick and scaly, resulting in cracked skin on the feet. The organisms causing athlete's foot live in damp environments, such as tight shoes that squeeze the toes together, damp socks and shoes, and humid conditions. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread from direct skin-to-skin contact and object-to-skin contact from contaminated floors, mats, shoes, locker rooms, swimming pools, showers and saunas.
Symptoms
Symptoms of athlete's foot include cracking and peeling skin on the soles of the feet or between the toes. Itching, burning and stinging between the toes or on the soles of the feet, itchy blisters, excessive dryness on both the sides and bottoms of the feet, and thick and ragged toenails.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for your child getting athlete's foot include wearing tight-fitting shoes or damp socks, sharing shoes, having a weak immune system or visiting public areas such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers and baths.
Complications
The most common complication of athlete's foot is a secondary infection from cracks in the skin. Bacteria can easily enter the skin and cause an infection. Other complications include an allergic response from proteins that may enter the bloodstream after an episode of athlete's foot. The allergic reaction may cause blisters on the fingers, hands or toes.
Treatment
Treatment for athlete's foot usually consists of an over-the-counter medication. You should wash and dry the affected area before applying the medication once or twice a day for at least two weeks. If this medication does not clear up your child's athlete's foot, your doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical medication such as Lamisil, Lotrimin or Monistat-Derm. Oral medications such as Sporanox or Diflucan may also be prescribed.
Prevention
Your child should keep her feet dry, especially between the toes; wear socks made of cotton or wool to draw moisture away from the feet; change socks if her feet sweat a lot; and wear lightweight, well-ventilated shoes to prevent getting athlete's foot. Also, children should protect their feet in public places by wearing waterproof sandals in showers or communal pools and fitness centers.
Member Comments