Athlete's foot - Preventing athlete's foot

The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is to always practise good foot hygiene.

Follow the advice listed below to help keep your feet clean and hygienic.

• Wash your feet thoroughly every day, particularly between your toes.
• Reduce foot perspiration by using talcum powder on your feet.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting footwear, particularly during the summer.
• Don't put on socks, tights or stockings before your feet are completely dry.
• Change your socks, stockings or tights regularly.
• Wear pool slippers or flip-flops in communal changing rooms or shower areas.
• Alternate your footwear, particularly running shoes and trainers, so that you wear dry shoes at all times.
• Avoid borrowing shoes to lower the risk of spreading the infection.
• Wash towels and bedding frequently.

Should I keep my child off school?

It's uncommon for children under 12 years of age to develop athlete's foot. If your child does develop it, it's not necessary to keep them off school.

However, it's important to ensure that they don't walk barefoot while at school – for example, during physical education (PE). This will help prevent the infection being spread to others.

Tell your child's teacher that your child has athlete's foot so that the teacher can make sure they wear appropriate footwear during PE lessons.