Most parents are aware of the more common childhood ailments, but never think about treating nail fungus in children. It isn’t something you hear a lot about. However, kids can get nail fungus, just like adults, so it pays to keep an eye out.
Signs Your Child Has a Fungal Infection
Nail fungus infections usually appear in the toenails, but may also show up in fingernails. Knowing what to look for will help you catch it early.
Symptoms in children are very similar to those in adults and include:
- Thicker or crumbly nails
- Yellowish toenails
- Strangely shaped or twisted nails
- Dull and lackluster nails
Preventing Toenail Fungus in Children
Since parents are usually the ones clipping children’s nails, it is important to keep an eye out for discoloration or distortion. When you find an issue early on, you can treat it faster. As soon as you suspect a fungal infection, take your child to the doctor to confirm it. You can then decide on a treatment option.
Fungus frequently grows in dark, damp areas. Shoes make the perfect environment for fungal growth. To prevent problems, you may want to provide your child with sandals or flip flops in the warmer months. Keeping feet dry is also important. As long as you eliminate the warm moisture that fungus thrives on, you can prevent toenail fungus infections.
Treating Nail Fungus in Children
There are a number of different treatments available for toenail fungus. Since children can be more sensitive to chemicals and other harsh treatments, you will want to opt for the safest choices. Natural remedies are often touted online and may be a safe option for children, but they are also not nearly as effective as others. Laser treatment is probably your best choice for your child.
Why Laser Treatment is Your Best Option
For children, long, drawn out procedures do not usually go well. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a fairly rapid process that requires just a few minutes of holding still and a small apparatus that is not frightening.
The actual device used is simple and fairly small. Young children may need to have their foot held still, but this is much easier than trying to apply something like an herbal balm to the area. This type of treatment is painless, which is also ideal for children. When treating toenail fungus in children, it’s best to choose an effective, non-frightening treatment.
