BABY AND CHILDHOOD SKIN DISORDERS: RINGWORM OF TOES AND FEET
Tinea of the feet is unfortunately common, particularly between the toes and especially between the fourth and fifth toes. Being housed in socks or stockings, then shoved into shoes for many hours each day, sets up an admirable situation for tinea germs to multiply. In addition, other germs, bacteria and yeasts (commonly monilia) jump into the act and aggravate it. They all love moist surfaces which are constantly rubbing, giving them an excellent opportunity to become widespread.
Blistering areas may appear on the soles. Between the toes, the skin tends to become red and inflamed, later white and macerated, and frequently very itchy. Rubbing gives only temporary relief, but leaves the parts sore, tender, cracked and uncomfortable. Usually no tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
If there is considerable infection present and the feet are smelly, bathe daily with a weak (pink only) condy's crystal solution. Bathe away as much of the whitish macerated tissue, but do not pull too vigorously as this may leave raw areas that are even more painful. Spend ten minutes doing this three to four times a day. Indeed, the youngster can help in treating himself, and will often do an excellent job.
The medications already mentioned may be used here. Probably one of the best is tolnaftate drops; often one drop placed between the toes and gently rubbed in will produce excellent results fairly rapidly.
If this does not work, take the child to the doctor. Griseofulvins may be prescribed to be taken orally; this may take some time to have a beneficial effect but long-term may be dramatic. Steroid creams and anti-fungals may also be prescribed. Use medication and applications exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Once more, use them sparingly. Undertreat rather than overtreat. Applying twice the recommended amount will not necessarily bring a result occurring twice as quickly. Instead, the reverse may take place. Anti-fungals are powerful, and may in themselves cause skin irritation.
A few tips here: Tinea of the feet is readily picked up in public places, especially showers and dressing rooms and around public swimming pools. Wearing thongs when entering these places is not a bad idea, irrespective of what your child's friends might think! Changing socks daily and boiling them is often helpful. Adequate sunlight is also a good germ killer—this includes sunlight on socks, shoes and affected feet. Exposure of the affected feet to the elements is excellent whenever possible. Walking along the beach at the water's edge is often good therapy and may be curative in itself. The sand readily removes macerated soggy skin and stimulates the underlying layers, and the salt-water is a mild sterilizing agent. The ultra-violet light from the sun is a well-known and potent germicide. It kills germs with amazing efficiency. Whenever possible, give your child the benefits of a trip to the beach, if ringworm of the feet is the problem. It can really pay off.
Ringworm of the nails, involving either fingernails or toenails sometimes occurs, but it is less common in children than in adults. It is quite resistant to simple measures, and the nails may become thick and hard and unattractive. It is best to seek professional help from the start. Treatment is difficult and may be very time-consuming.
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General Health
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