The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is to always practise good foot hygiene.
The following steps will 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.
- Do not put on socks, tights or stockings before your feet are completely dry.
- Change your socks, stockings or tights regularly.
- If possible, wear pool slippers or flip-flops in communal changing rooms or shower areas.
- Alternating footwear can help ensure that you wear dry shoes at all times.
- Avoid borrowing shoes to lower the risk of spreading the infection.
- Wash your towels and bedding frequently.
Should I keep my child off school?
The Department of Health does not recommend that children with athlete’s foot should be kept off school.
You should, however, ensure that your child does not walk barefoot while they are at school, for example during physical education (PE) classes. This will help prevent the infection being spread to others.
You should also 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.
