A Parent’s Guide to Back-to-School Foot Care
September is imminent, and whether you’re a parent breathing a sigh of relief or an excited kid with a shiny new school bag, it’s a pretty big deal! New shoes and a new term of team sports, PE, and muddy playgrounds. Yet all that newness can bring some old, unwelcome guests. You might be bracing yourself for head lice or viruses, but have you thought about athlete’s foot!?
We don’t want to dampen your enthusiasm for a new school year. We’re here to help you and your kiddos get back to school with healthy, happy feet.
What is Athlete’s Foot, and Why is "Back to School" Prime Time for it?
While athlete’s foot is often associated with adults sweating it out at the gym, kids heading back to school are also at risk. When school starts, kids trade the freedom of summer flip-flops for hours in tight trainers, often without proper ventilation. Add communal shower areas in PE class, damp socks forgotten in the bottom of backpacks (you know the ones), and the fact that kids aren’t known to be pillars of hygienic habits, and you have a fungal infection’s dream setup.
And don’t forget, athlete’s foot is highly contagious. All it takes is walking barefoot on the same gym mat or sharing shoes during after-school sports to spread those pesky spores like wildfire.
The main symptoms in kids and adults include flaky, itchy skin, redness, and a burning sensation, especially between the toes. It can even ignite scaly, flaky patches that feel uncomfortable or painful.
Our Top Tips for Foot Health from the Playground to the Podium
We're all about being our best selves, and that starts from the ground up. Here are some simple, fun, and totally doable tips to help you keep those tiny toes in tip-top shape:
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Dry, Dry, Dry! This is the golden rule. After a bath or shower, make sure you dry your child’s feet thoroughly, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes. Fungi can’t thrive on dry skin, so dabbing them dry is your best defence. The NHS also recommends using a separate towel for feet and washing it regularly to avoid spreading any spores.
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Sock it to 'Em. Ditch the synthetic socks that trap moisture. Opt for clean, natural fibres like cotton every day. Cotton socks are breathable and help keep feet dry.
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Give Those Shoes a Break. We know kids have their favourite trainers, but wearing the same pair of shoes every day doesn't give them a chance to dry out. A great tip is to alternate pairs of shoes to allow them to air out completely.
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Act Fast With a Targeted Treatment. At the very first signs of itching or flaking skin, reach for our powerful athlete's foot powder, Funga Shield. This 100% natural formula is a skin-friendly powerhouse designed to zap fungus without the harsh chemicals often found in over-the-counter treatments. Simply sprinkle it on your child’s feet daily in the mornings, after school, and after their bath, focusing on the areas between their toes, to stop the fungus in its tracks. Pop some in their shoes too (bonus: it keeps things smelling a lot fresher)!
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Treat Cracked or Sore Skin. If the athlete’s foot has caused cracks or a burning sensation, soothe and repair your child’s skin with Sole Saviour cracked heel cream. This all-natural formula is packed with hydrating ingredients to help restore cracked skin quickly, forming a protective barrier to prevent further discomfort.
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Avoid Scratching and Spreading. We know… telling a kid not to scratch is like telling them not to ask, “Are we there yet?” But scratching can spread the infection, so gently remind them to resist. If needed, encourage socks to act as a barrier during the day.
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Stick to the Routine. Even if symptoms start fading, don’t stop treatment prematurely. Fungus is sneaky, and inconsistent treatment can leave spores lurking, ready for another round. Keep applying Funga Shield daily for at least two weeks after symptoms disappear to ensure it’s well and truly gone.
Prevention Tips for Happy Feet
They say prevention is better than cure, and when it comes to athlete’s foot, that’s 100% true. Here’s how to keep your child’s feet fungus-free this term.
Gear Check
Start with a back-to-school shoe audit:
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Opt for breathable footwear like trainers with mesh panels for airflow.
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Make sure shoes fit properly; too snug, and you’re just asking for sweaty, cramped toes. Too loose, and you’re inviting friction.
Encourage your child to swap shoes daily if possible, giving each pair at least 24 hours to air out.
Socks Matter More Than You Think
Say goodbye to cotton socks that trap moisture. Instead, invest in moisture-wicking socks designed to keep feet dry during long school days or PE sessions. Bonus points for colourful prints your child actually wants to wear!
Have a PE Kit Hygiene Plan
Set a “no bare feet” rule for communal areas like gyms, changing rooms and showers. Lightweight flip-flops or sliders are your child’s best friend in these spaces.
Keep a spare pair of dry socks and a small towel in their PE bag. Damp socks lingering post-run or post-game? A big no-no.
Teach Good Foot Hygiene
We get it—kids aren’t known for their attention to hygiene. But a quick chat about washing feet properly and not sharing socks or shoes can go a long way. Make it fun (and quick) enough to stick.
Daily Fungal Defence With Funga Shield
A sprinkle of Funga Shield can do wonders for preventing fungus from taking hold in the first place. Apply it to your child’s feet before school, especially on PE days or when wearing trainers for long hours.
When to Call in the Professionals
If athlete’s foot doesn’t improve after two weeks of treatment, spreads to other areas (like the hands or nails), or causes severe symptoms, it’s time to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist. Persistent cases may need prescription-strength creams or antifungal medications.
Kick Athlete’s Foot Out of Your Term Plan
Armed with knowledge and natural remedies like Funga Shield and Sole Saviour, you’ll be ready to tackle fungal infections head-on.
Shoes on, socks dry, hygiene nailed, it’s time to send those fungal party crashers packing. With a little planning and our effective, chemical-free products, your child’s feet (and your sanity) will be ready to ace the new school year.
Here’s to happy, itch-free feet and no more letters home about foot infections. We’ll take that!
