Toe Fungus in Children

Toe fungus is common due to the perfect environment the toe nail creates for breeding fungus. Fungus thrives in moist, dark and warm environments where it can grow and spread easily. Children are especially susceptible to toe fungus because of lack of proper hygiene and interaction with other children who could be carrying fungus. There are medical and natural remedies to treat toe fungus in children that are safe and effective.

Facts

• Toe fungus is highly contagious, especially in public places. A child can catch toe fungus from playing in a playground barefoot, at a public pool or public showers or the locker room. Once a child catches a toe fungus it can take up to two weeks to surface. The fungus will either embed itself in the toe nail, leading to an infection, or it will manifest itself as athlete's foot, which is very itchy and burns.

Medical Treatment

• The most common treatment is to apply over-the-counter anti-fungal lotions or sprays. These typically clear up the toe fungus in about four to six weeks. If the fungus is severe, prescribed medication may be required. The commonly prescribed medications do have adverse side effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, liver damage and stomach issues. Prescribed medications can effectively kill the fungus in as little as two weeks.

Natural Treatment

• The most common natural treatment is to apply 100 percent tea tree oil two to three times a day for six to eight weeks or until there is visible improvement. Tea tree oil is one of nature's most powerful anti-fungal herbs. If the toe fungus has spread to the toe nail, a parent should apply the tea tree oil until the nail grows out entirely (six months to one year). Another home remedy is to use Vicks vapor rub on the infected areas. Vapor rub is made with eucalyptus and thyme oil, which are both natural anti-fungal herbs.

Prevention

• In order to prevent toe fungus in children, buy shoes that are well ventilated so there is constant air flow over the toes. Always have children wear flip-flops or other waterproof shoes whenever using public pools, showers or locker rooms. Make sure you child thoroughly washes his or her feet daily and allows them to dry before putting on socks and shoes.

Complications

• If toe fungus in children goes untreated for too long, it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body such as the legs, hands and hair. The longer the fungus has to spread, the more contagious it will become. It can spread to other children and family members who come in contact with the child. If the toe fungus goes untreated, the child will most likely need prescribed drugs to kill the infection, which can cause adverse side effects.