Author: Julia R., Middle School student writer

Do your feet and toes ever get itchy, peely and dry? This may be a sign that you have athlete's foot. This condition is normal and can be easily treated.

Signs of Athlete's Foot:

• Blisters
  
• Cracked skin
  
• Dry and red feet, especially between your toes
  
• A rash on your feet

It is important not to scratch your feet, because the infection can spread, and it will not make the problem any better.

How do I get athlete's foot?

• Athlete's foot is a result of moisture in your feet that causes a fungus to grow.
  
• You can get this fungus by walking barefoot in places that have moist floors, such as pool decks and locker room floors.
  
• It is also important to dry your feet well after you take a bath or shower, or go swimming.
  
• Wearing shoes and socks all day can also cause athlete's foot because of the moisture trapped inside.

How do I treat it?

• Ask your parents to take you to the doctor's office.
  
• If your case is not too bad, the doctor will probably give you a mild medicine or powder to put on your feet for a couple of days.
  
• If your case is worse, you might be given a stronger medicine or one that you take by mouth, not apply to your feet.
  
• A way to help prevent and treat this problem is to keep your shoes and socks off when you don't need to be wearing them.
  
• Also, wear sandals on a pool deck or in a locker room to prevent athlete's foot.
  
• If you do not go to a doctor, your athlete's foot will likely spread and be harder to treat.
  
• It can spread to your toenails if not treated fast enough, where it is harder to treat.
  
• **Not all over-the-counter products (the ones sold in drugstores without needing a doctor's prescription) are safe for kids, so have your parents ask the doctor about what is safe for you.

Make sure you consult the doctor before you use
any medicine for athlete's foot.

Remember, athlete's foot is preventable and treatable if you take the right steps.

Sources:

Patrice, Hyde. "Athlete's Foot." KidsHealth.org. Accessed 5 August 2004