Athlete's Foot in Toddlers
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAD, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing athlete's foot in toddlers, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
True athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is actually uncommon in babies and toddlers but can occasionally occur in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. Peeling or dry skin on toddler feet is more often caused by juvenile plantar dermatosis (dry, cracked skin from friction) or eczema rather than a fungal infection.
Key takeaways
- True athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is actually uncommon in babies and toddlers but can occasionally occur in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. Peeling or dry skin on toddler feet is more often caused by juvenile plantar dermatosis (dry, cracked skin from friction) or eczema rather than a fungal infection.
- Usually normal when: Mildly dry or peeling skin on the soles of a toddler's feet, especially in warm weather
- Call your doctor if: A foot rash with significant swelling, warmth, pain, or red streaks suggesting a bacterial infection
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAD, AAP, NIH guidelines, true athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is actually uncommon in babies and toddlers but can occasionally occur in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. Peeling or dry skin on toddler feet is more often caused by juvenile plantar dermatosis (dry, cracked skin from friction) or eczema rather than a fungal infection. At 0-3 months, athlete's foot does not occur in non-walking infants. Peeling skin on newborn feet is normal and part of the transition from the womb. No treatment is needed for normal newborn skin peeling. It is generally considered normal when mildly dry or peeling skin on the soles of a toddler's feet, especially in warm weather. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a foot rash with significant swelling, warmth, pain, or red streaks suggesting a bacterial infection.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Athlete's foot does not occur in non-walking infants. Peeling skin on newborn feet is normal and part of the transition from the womb. No treatment is needed for normal newborn skin peeling.
3-6 months
Fungal infections of the feet are not expected at this age. If your baby has red, peeling, or irritated skin on the feet, it is more likely eczema, contact dermatitis from socks, or moisture-related irritation.
6-12 months
As babies begin standing and walking, their feet are exposed to more friction. Dry, cracking skin on the soles or between the toes is usually juvenile plantar dermatosis or irritation rather than athlete's foot. Keeping feet dry and applying moisturizer helps.
12-24 months
Toddlers who swim, attend gyms, or walk barefoot in communal areas may occasionally develop tinea pedis. It appears as scaling, cracking, or redness between the toes or on the soles. Over-the-counter antifungal cream usually resolves it. If foot peeling is symmetric and on the sole's weight-bearing areas, it is more likely juvenile plantar dermatosis.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed athlete's foot in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if persistent peeling, cracking, or scaling between the toes despite keeping feet clean and dry.
- Mention if itchy feet that are bothering your toddler.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Mildly dry or peeling skin on the soles of a toddler's feet, especially in warm weather
- Slight redness between toes that resolves with keeping feet dry
- Persistent peeling, cracking, or scaling between the toes despite keeping feet clean and dry
- Itchy feet that are bothering your toddler
- You are unsure whether the condition is fungal or another cause
- A foot rash with significant swelling, warmth, pain, or red streaks suggesting a bacterial infection
- Blistering on the feet with fever in a young infant
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice athlete's foot in toddlers — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that mildly dry or peeling skin on the soles of a toddler's feet, especially in warm weather — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a foot rash with significant swelling, warmth, pain, or red streaks suggesting a bacterial infection.
Related Conditions
Plantar Warts (Verruca) in Toddlers
Plantar warts (verrucae) are warts on the soles of the feet caused by HPV. They are less common in toddlers than in older children but can occur, especially in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. They may cause discomfort when walking. Most plantar warts resolve on their own, though treatment can speed resolution.
Rash Only on Baby's Feet
Rashes that appear only on a baby's feet can be caused by hand-foot-and-mouth disease, contact dermatitis from shoes or socks, eczema, or fungal infections in older toddlers. Most causes are mild and treatable, but blistering rashes on the feet alongside a fever should be evaluated.
Body Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) in Baby
Tinea corporis is ringworm on the body, appearing as circular, scaly, red patches with a raised border and clearer center. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi and is contagious. It responds well to topical antifungal cream applied for 2 to 4 weeks. Pets, other children, and contaminated surfaces are common sources.
Related Resources
Baby Skin Conditions Guide
Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is athlete's foot in toddlers normal?
When should I call the doctor about athlete's foot in toddlers?
When is athlete's foot in toddlers normal?
What causes athlete's foot in toddlers?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about athlete's foot in toddlers?
Is athlete's foot in toddlers normal at 0-3 months?
Is athlete's foot in toddlers normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for athlete's foot in toddlers?
Does athlete's foot in toddlers go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Athlete's Foot in Toddlers.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed athlete's foot in toddlers and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if persistent peeling, cracking, or scaling between the toes despite keeping feet clean and dry.
- Mention if itchy feet that are bothering your toddler.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Persistent peeling, cracking, or scaling between the toes despite keeping feet clean and dry
- Itchy feet that are bothering your toddler
- You are unsure whether the condition is fungal or another cause
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A foot rash with significant swelling, warmth, pain, or red streaks suggesting a bacterial infection
- Blistering on the feet with fever in a young infant
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of athlete's foot in toddlers are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a foot rash with significant swelling, warmth, pain, or red streaks suggesting a bacterial infection.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Skin Concerns
Plantar Warts (Verruca) in Toddlers
Plantar warts (verrucae) are warts on the soles of the feet caused by HPV. They are less common in toddlers than in older children but can occur, especially in children who walk barefoot in moist communal areas. They may cause discomfort when walking. Most plantar warts resolve on their own, though treatment can speed resolution.
Rash Only on Baby's Feet
Rashes that appear only on a baby's feet can be caused by hand-foot-and-mouth disease, contact dermatitis from shoes or socks, eczema, or fungal infections in older toddlers. Most causes are mild and treatable, but blistering rashes on the feet alongside a fever should be evaluated.
Body Ringworm (Tinea Corporis) in Baby
Tinea corporis is ringworm on the body, appearing as circular, scaly, red patches with a raised border and clearer center. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi and is contagious. It responds well to topical antifungal cream applied for 2 to 4 weeks. Pets, other children, and contaminated surfaces are common sources.
My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)
Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)
Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.
New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.