As parents, we always want to keep our little ones happy and healthy from head to toe - quite literally! But sometimes, despite our best efforts, issues like fungal nail infections can crop up. If you think your child has a fungal nail infection, don’t worry—effective treatments are available. With a mix of medical care and simple lifestyle changes, you can help restore their nails to full health.
Fungal nail infections can be stubborn, but the good news is they are treatable. If left unchecked, the infection may spread, causing discomfort or thickening of the nail. The key to successful treatment is patience and consistency. Depending on how severe the infection is, you may need to try medical treatments alongside at-home care measures.
If you suspect your child has a fungal nail infection, the best way to start is by speaking to your GP or pharmacist. They can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential causes or an injury to the nail.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal nail treatment - these can come in the form of medicated nail paints, cream or tablets in more severe cases. While some treatments are available over the counter, it’s always best to get professional advice before using anything on your child’s nails to be sure it’s a safe and appropriate treatment for your little one.
In some cases, you may be advised to try at-home treatment methods, either instead of medications for mild fungal nails, or as well as antifungal medication. Poor hygiene can sometimes cause fungal nail infections, so many at-home measures recommended to you will help to keep your little one’s feet happy and healthy even after an infection has cleared up.
Wearing well-fitted shoes is essential in managing and preventing fungal nail infections. Tight shoes can create a warm, moist environment where fungi thrive, making it easier for infections to take hold.
They can also lead to other foot problems, preventing the toes from having the room they need to develop and support the feet. In some cases, a narrow toe box can even lead to injuries such as blisters that can be highly vulnerable to infection.
Look for shoes with a wide toe box to ensure your child’s feet have plenty of breathing room. Our wide fit school shoes are expertly designed with growing feet in mind, offering comfort and the perfect fit to help keep little toes happy and healthy.
Fungal infections love moisture, so keeping the feet dry and fresh is key. Encourage your child to wear clean, dry socks each day, preferably made from breathable materials such as cotton or bamboo.
If your child tends to have sweaty feet, consider changing socks more than once a day, and always after sport or other vigorous activities. This will help to reduce moisture buildup, making it less likely for the infection to spread or worsen. Additionally, it’s important to always replace their socks as soon as you can after your child’s feet get wet for other reasons - for example, a spot of puddle-jumping!
A simple but effective way to manage fungal nail infections is by maintaining good foot hygiene. Wash your child’s feet daily with mild soap and warm water, ensuring that you clean between the toes as well.
After washing, drying the feet properly is just as important. Fungi thrive in damp environments, so be sure to dry every little gap between the toes. You can even use a separate towel to avoid spreading the infection to other nails or family members.
Although fungal nail infections can take time to clear up, following these steps will help support healthy recovery. Seeking medical advice early, maintaining proper foot hygiene and choosing the right footwear can make all the difference.
At Start-Rite, we believe in caring for children’s feet from the ground up. Whether it’s choosing the right shoes to help prevent infections or ensuring little feet stay comfortable all day, we’re here to help every step of the way.
