A father’s recent social media post in China has sparked concern among parents. The man shared his story of taking his two-year-old son for a swim, only to end up in the hospital with a mysterious ailment.

Just two days after their swimming trip, the little boy started crying and complaining of pain in his leg. Upon inspection, the father was horrified to discover one of his son’s toes swollen and inflamed, as if bitten by an insect.
Rushing to the hospital, the father was met with an even more shocking revelation: the doctor informed him that if they had arrived any later, the child might have lost his toe. The real cause of the boy’s pain was a strand of hair tightly wrapped around his toe, cutting off blood circulation. Left untreated, this could have led to necrosis and the need for surgery.
This is not an isolated incident, according to the doctor, who has seen similar cases in children who spent extended periods in swimming pools. Prolonged immersion in water causes pores to dilate, allowing hair strands and other debris to enter and harm the feet.
Parents, take note: your child’s feet are the foundation of their mobility, so foot care is of utmost importance. Here are some tips to protect your little one’s feet:
1. Limit water exposure:
While summer is perfect for swimming, don’t let your kids soak for too long. Prolonged immersion causes pores to open, inviting dirt and potential harm. After 20 minutes of swimming, have them take a break to minimize risks.
2. Shoes on sandy beaches:
Sandy beaches are a child’s playground, but hidden dangers lurk beneath the soft sand in the form of hermit crabs, sharp shells, and rocks. Ensure your child always wears shoes when playing on the sand to protect their sensitive feet.
3. Choose the right footwear:
Children’s skin is delicate, so choose soft, skin-friendly socks and comfortable shoes with thick, flexible soles. Cut off any loose threads inside the socks to prevent irritation. Thicker soles offer better protection for developing feet.
Even seemingly clean floors can harbor tiny hairs or debris. Encourage your child to wear slippers or shoes indoors to protect their feet from these hazards and prevent slips on kitchen or bathroom floors.