Symptom Checker

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It often causes itching, peeling, cracking or redness between the toes or on the soles.

Dermatophyte fungi cause athlete’s foot. Warm, damp shoes, sweaty feet, locker rooms and shared wet surfaces make it easier for the fungi to grow and spread.

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AAP Guide to Athlete's Foot

The AAP guide below explains treatment, foot care and when the rash should be checked.

AAP Symptom CheckerAthlete's foot

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

The rash is spreading or causing deep cracks and significant pain.
Pus, swelling or fever develops.
Your child has diabetes, a weakened immune system or another condition that raises infection risk.
The rash does not improve with appropriate antifungal treatment.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

Your child has any life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

Hours, addresses and directions

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

Athlete's Foot

AAP Guide to Athlete's Foot

When to see a doctor

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

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