How to prepare for a video visit about Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Audience: pediatric

Athlete’s Foot, or Tinea Pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. In children, it may cause itching, redness, peeling, or cracking skin. Preparing for a video visit about Athlete’s Foot helps you get the best care for your child. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and look at the affected area through the camera. You can help by making sure the foot is clean and dry before the visit, and by having any questions ready. Telemedicine can often guide treatment and advice but may suggest an in-person visit if the infection is severe or spreading. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Spreading redness or swelling beyond the foot — seek urgent medical care.
• Fever or severe pain in the foot — contact healthcare provider immediately.
• Pus, blisters, or open sores that worsen — get in-person evaluation promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and visible skin changes.
• Providing guidance on antifungal treatments and foot care.
• Answering questions about prevention and management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe infections needing physical examination or lab tests.
• Signs of bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
• Complications like spreading infection or systemic symptoms.

What is Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)?

Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin between the toes and sometimes the soles of the feet. It causes itching, redness, peeling, and sometimes blisters or cracking skin. It is contagious and can spread through direct contact or by sharing towels, shoes, or walking barefoot in damp places like locker rooms or pools.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s Video Visit

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What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and may ask you to show the affected area using the camera. They will look for signs of infection and may suggest treatment options like antifungal creams or powders. They might also give advice on foot care and how to prevent spreading the infection.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Sometimes, the infection may need a physical exam or tests. You should seek in-person care if:

Preventing Athlete’s Foot in Children

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How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Clean and dry your child’s feet before the visit.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for the video call.
• Ensure your device camera works and can show the affected area clearly.
• Write down your child’s symptoms and any treatments tried.
• Prepare questions to ask the healthcare provider.
• Have your child’s medical history and allergy information ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan as advised during the visit.
• Keep your child’s feet clean and dry.
• Monitor the affected area for improvement or worsening.
• Avoid sharing personal items like towels and shoes.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can Athlete’s Foot be cured with creams?

Yes, most cases of Athlete’s Foot can be treated effectively with antifungal creams or powders applied as directed. It is important to complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve early.

Is Athlete’s Foot contagious to others?

Yes, Athlete’s Foot can spread through direct contact or by sharing items like towels, socks, or shoes. Keeping feet clean and avoiding sharing personal items helps prevent spreading.

Can my child go to school with Athlete’s Foot?

Usually, yes. Athlete’s Foot is not a serious illness but good hygiene is important. Covering the affected area and avoiding sharing footwear or towels helps reduce the risk of spreading to others.

How long does Athlete’s Foot usually last?

With proper treatment, Athlete’s Foot often improves within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take longer to fully clear, and sometimes treatment needs to continue for several weeks to prevent recurrence.

Can Athlete’s Foot come back after treatment?

Yes, Athlete’s Foot can return if feet are kept moist or if preventive measures are not followed. Keeping feet dry and clean helps reduce the chance of reinfection.

Sources

1. Athlete's Foot — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Tinea Pedis (Athlete’s Foot) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Athlete’s Foot: Symptoms and Causes — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms worsen or you notice any red flags, seek immediate medical attention.