What happens after a telemedicine visit for Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for Athlete’s Foot, you will usually receive advice on how to care for your child's feet at home. The healthcare provider may recommend antifungal creams or powders to apply to the affected areas. It’s important to keep the feet clean and dry, change socks often, and avoid walking barefoot in shared places. Your provider may also explain how to prevent the infection from spreading or coming back. Sometimes, follow-up visits are needed to check if the treatment is working. If symptoms get worse or new problems appear, you should contact your healthcare provider. Remember, telemedicine helps guide care but does not replace in-person visits when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• If your child develops fever, chills, or feels very unwell, seek in-person medical care immediately.
• If the rash spreads quickly or becomes very painful, red, or swollen, contact a healthcare provider urgently.
• If there is pus, open sores, or signs of infection beyond the skin rash, get prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education on Athlete’s Foot and its care
• Recommending over-the-counter antifungal treatments
• Assessing common symptoms and advising on home care
• Guiding prevention strategies and hygiene tips
• Determining if follow-up is needed based on response

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical skin scraping or lab tests
• Diagnosing complicated or unusual skin infections
• Treating severe infections with systemic medication
• Managing infections with signs of spreading or systemic illness
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms

What to expect right after your telemedicine visit

After the visit, your provider will likely give instructions on how to apply antifungal treatments and care for your child's feet. They may suggest keeping feet dry, wearing breathable shoes, and avoiding sharing towels or footwear. You might receive a prescription or be advised to buy over-the-counter antifungal products.

How to care for Athlete’s Foot at home

Keep your child's feet clean by washing them daily with soap and water. Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Use antifungal creams as directed, usually for several weeks. Change socks daily and choose shoes that allow air flow. Avoid walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms or pools to prevent spreading or catching the infection.

When to schedule a follow-up

If symptoms improve, a follow-up may not be needed. However, if the rash or itching continues after treatment, or if it worsens, schedule another visit. Your provider may want to check for other skin conditions or consider different treatments.

Preventing Athlete’s Foot in the future

Encourage good foot hygiene habits, such as washing and drying feet daily, wearing clean socks, and using antifungal powders if prone to infections. Avoid sharing shoes and towels. Make sure shoes dry completely before wearing them again.

What telemedicine can and cannot do for Athlete’s Foot

Telemedicine can help diagnose typical cases, recommend treatments, and provide education on care and prevention. However, it cannot perform physical exams that require in-person inspection or take skin samples for lab tests. If the infection is severe, spreading rapidly, or causing pain and swelling, an in-person visit is necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Make sure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Have good lighting so the provider can see the affected area clearly.
• Prepare to describe symptoms: when they started, how they look, and any treatments tried.
• Have a list of any medications or allergies your child has.
• Be ready to show the affected foot or skin area during the video call.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment instructions given by your provider carefully.
• Keep the affected area clean and dry as advised.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or socks to prevent spread.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Contact your healthcare provider if red flags or emergency signs appear.

FAQs

How long does Athlete’s Foot usually take to heal?

Athlete’s Foot often improves within 2 to 4 weeks of proper treatment with antifungal creams. It's important to keep using the medicine for the full time recommended to prevent the infection from coming back.

Can Athlete’s Foot spread to other parts of the body?

Yes, the fungus can spread to other areas like the hands or groin if touched. Washing hands after touching the feet and not sharing towels or shoes helps prevent spreading.

Is Athlete’s Foot contagious?

Yes, Athlete’s Foot is contagious and can spread through direct contact or by touching surfaces like floors, towels, or shoes that have the fungus.

What should I do if the treatment doesn’t work?

If symptoms do not improve after the full course of treatment, contact your healthcare provider. They may need to check for other conditions or prescribe a different treatment.

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

Usually, yes. Athlete’s Foot is common and not serious, but good hygiene should be practiced to prevent spreading. Cover the affected area and avoid sharing personal items.

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: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
4. Tinea Pedis (Athlete's Foot) — 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 has severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.