Children rarely suffer from corns or hard skin problems. However, they are prone to chilblains and various skin problems. This often leads to the popular misconception that the main problems associated with children’s feet are athlete’s foot, verruca, sweaty feet, smelly feet, in-growing toenails and blisters. These conditions do exist and parents will often seek treatment and/or advice because they are either troublesome or anti-social. These conditions are often given low priority from a health perspective, but they can become particularly troublesome and difficult to manage if inappropriately treated and should always be treated with respect. It is very important that an accurate diagnosis is made before treatment is started.

Ill-fitting and inappropriate footwear is also a very common problem.

An overview of the more common skin problems are explained below:

Athlete’s foot

This can be a problem at any age but is particularly prevalent during puberty. A fungus that enjoys a dark, warm and moist environment causes it. Normally the podiatrist would take a sample of dead skin to identify the fungus and then treat it with an appropriate fungicide. These come in cream, powder and spray forms. Athlete’s foot affecting the skin can also affect the nails causing them to look discoloured, thickened and crumbly. Therefore it should not be ignored. Good foot hygiene and the treatment of sweaty feet is also essential. Synthetic shoes and socks should be discarded.

Verrucae

Current thinking suggests that verrucae are left alone to resolve in their own time if they are not particularly troublesome. Many are treated effectively by the simple measure of keeping them covered with a piece of tape which limits their spread. More radical treatment employs the use of caustics, cryosurgery and electrosurgery.

Sweaty feet and smelly feet

Sweaty feet are common in children, but it can be excessive. Care should be taken to change socks regularly. Avoid synthetic materials in shoes and hosiery, and be diligent with foot hygiene. Special insoles are available from the chemist particularly for smelly feet or seek the advice of your Chiropodist or Podiatrist.

In-growing toenails

These can be very painful and distressing and require professional podiatry treatment.

Blisters

These are common with sweaty feet and back-to-school new shoes. If the skin is broken, an appropriate antiseptic protective dressing should be applied.