A fungal infection of the toenails can be embarrassing for your child, especially if other children notice the problem. Your child may feel forced to keep his shoes on to hide his toenails, which provides an environment for fungi to thrive. Consult with your child's doctor or a podiatrist to treat your child's toenail infection.
Identification
A fungal infection on your child's toes causes a disturbing odor that can be smelled across the room. The nail becomes thick. Sometimes the nail is so thick that you're unable to clip your child's toe nails. The shape of the toenail starts changing and the edges become brittle and crumble. Healthy toenails often shine and have a pinkish color, but a toenail infected with a fungus appears dull and starts changing colors due to debris under the nail. The color can range from yellow to black. The area between your toes can also be affected and appear inflamed and dry.
Causes
Fungi are microscopic spores that thrive in dark, warm and moist locations. The most common group of fungi to cause toenail infection are dermatophytes. Your child can keep his feet immaculately clean, but still develop a fungal infection in the toenails due to the locations in which fungi are found. Fungi can be found in showers, pools, locker rooms and sweaty shoes or socks. Gym shoes are a common location for fungi to grow and cause an infection in your child's toenails. Fungal infections can easily be spread from person to person.
Treatment
Over-the-counter medications are slow to treat the fungus and are generally ineffective. Your doctor may take a sample of your child's toenail for a culture to be viewed under a microscope. This helps your doctor determine the best route of treatment for your child's fungus. Oral antifungal medications that are often prescribed for a toenail fungal infection are terbinafine and itraconazole, which are taken for six to 13 weeks. The medications are taken to promote the growth of a new fungus-free nail. Results are not seen until a new nail replaces the infected nail bed, which can take over four months. If the infection is severe and painful, a surgeon can remove the entire nail. Laser treatment takes about an hour and can generally treat toenail fungus during one session.
Prevention
Ensure your child washes his feet daily and thoroughly dries his feet --- especially between the toes. Sprinkle anti-fungal powder into your child's shoes to reduce perspiration and reduce the risk of fungus thriving in a sweaty shoe. Teach your child to always wear shoes in public locker rooms, showers and swimming pools. Buy synthetic socks that keep moisture away from the feet better than cotton or wool socks.
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