In all of your Netflix binges, have you rediscovered the popular alien-invasion kids movie, Home?  If you have, or even if you haven't, maybe you'll be to try our movie-inspired foot-craft (keep scrolling to get to the good stuff!). When I got thinking about aliens, it also got me thinking about all the potential invaders that can wreak havoc on our kids' feet. And what's one of the most common, unidentified object on kids' feet? The itchy, scaly patches that indicate athlete's foot

Identifying Athlete's Foot in Kids Letting feet breathe in the sun can help prevent athlete's foot in kids!

Athlete's foot is a very common fungal skin infection. The fungus thrives from eating dead skin cells, and the feet are often a good source for this kind of food! The infection earned it's name because it often affects athletes. Why? Because the fungus also thrives in athletic environments like warm, damp pool decks, public showers, and locker rooms. When athletes or other people go barefoot in these environment, the fungus can end up on their feet and cause problems. That's why it's very important to keep your feet in flip flops when you're walking in public places. 

How Can I Tell if it's Athlete's Foot?

One of the most common signs of athlete's foot is an itchy, burning rash. Other symptoms include: 

  • Bumps on the feet

  • Cracked, blistered, or peeling areas, typically between the toes

  • Red and scaly soles

  • Odor or "cheesy" substance between your toes

  • Raw skin due to scratching

Athlete's foot is contagious--it can spread from the feet to other parts of your body, or it can spread from one family member to another. That's why it's important to see your podiatrist as soon as tell-tale symptoms pop up. 

Treating Athlete's Foot

 

Treating athlete's foot is usually fairly simple:a medicated cream or powder is usually able to kill the infection, clearing up the problem in just a few days. For worse infections, this process could last as long as a month. In addition to medication, you'll want to let your feet breathe as much as possible during the treatment process--there's nothing fungus hates more than dry, open air.

While most kids will find relief from this treatment plan, topical medication doesn't work 100% of the time. For tougher cases, oral anti-fungals my be necessary, but your podiatrist will let you know if and when this step becomes necessary. 

How Can I Protect my Kids from Athlete's Foot?
Consider these steps your fungus-free foot bible: 

  • Wash your feet every day.

  • Dry your feet well, especially between the toes.

  • When possible, go barefoot at home.

  • Avoid wearing tight or synthetic footwear.

  • Wear sandals around pool areas, public showers, and gyms to steer clear of the fungus.

  • Wear cotton socks to help soak up wetness. 

  • Change your socks every day or sooner, if they get damp.

  • Put anti-fungal powder in kids' shoes

  • Put shoes in the sun to kill germs

  • Never share shoes or towels.

    Now that we've covered that topic, let's get to the good stuff: crafting!

"Home" Inspired Alien Footprint Craft

In celebration of this soon-to-be classic kiddie flick, I found a Home themed footprint craft on The Pinterested Parent. Let me know how your little aliens like it!

Keep the magic of Home alive with this footprint craft!

Supplies

  • Pink, blue and white paint

  • Paper

 

Directions

 
  1. Paint your child’s foot and toes a dusty-rose colored pink. Make a print on the paper. Let dry.

  2. Paint a blue ‘coat’ over the pink footprint, starting at the top of the arch and continuing until midway through the ball of your child’s foot. Let dry again.

  3. Add in the details: ‘ears’ on each side of your child’s heel, eyes, eyebrows, a mouth—you can even trim out the jacket. Go crazy with details—the more your kids can join in, the more fun this craft will be!

Dr. Andrew Schneider
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A podiatrist and foot surgeon in Houston, TX.
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