Scaling peeling of skin in 7yr old

My son who is 7 years old had this problem 3 times in last 18 months.
his skin turns reddish on his palms and foot.then they turn rough and start peeling off entirely.the hardening of skin happens in the knee area and elbows too.
it lasts untill all the skin on leg and hand has peeled and new skin is replaced.the first 2 times he is in contact with clorinated water but the 3rd time he did not go swimming and was not in chlorinated water.What could be the possible cause for this.
I am worried.

thanks
Pri

[bsmsl]

This sounds a lot like my daughter's eczema.  You should take your son to an allergist or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, it is difficult to come to a conclusive diagnosis and needs a careful evaluation. Individuals having high basal metabolic rate (BMR), sweat lot and will lead to retention of sweat and peeling. Such as conditions like hyperthyroidism has high BMR. Hence, thyroid profile is necessary.

Even vitamin deficiency esp. B-complex (riboflavin) can also cause peeling of skin. This condition needs treatment with b-complex vitamins. Kawasaki disease is also associated with peeling of skin and whenever associated with fever, need immediate consultation as it leads to complication of blood vessel.

Another possibility is fungal infection or other immunological disorder like SLE. I suggest you to consult pediatrician and rule out the cause early. Take care and regards.

[kpriyah]

Thanks Dr Rajput and bsms for the inputs.
I will check on these things too.


I did take himt ot dermatologist who has asked for skin biopsy to be done.
I have done that and waiting for the report.They suspect pityriasis rubra pilaris.
One thing I have seen is everytime he has had this condition is ...his nails seems to grow really fast infact i have to cut it every 2 days if not earlier.

Also whenever he has had  a flare up he has had access to coffee meaning my parents would visit and he would drink a bit of coffee..when they had theirs.may be sleep less and play a lot too...
I am just relating thinking as what does he do different when he has flareups and this what i could gather.Any help is appreciated.
Thanks