Peeling finger tips and toes, after other illness

[adeholder]

Hi

It would be great if someone could put my mind at ease.

I have recently split with my partner of 9 years, moved house etc etc

While going through this i had 4 days of terrible stomach pains, also clod and flu symptoms for about a week or so. Now to cap it all off, my finger tips are peeling really badly along with my toes. My face is also very dry and my eyes were rally puffy and itchy ( this has no gone) I also have random dry patches in other areas like my back.

What on earth is going on with me? has anyone had this? is it stress? or should I be concerned its something else?

thanks

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Cold, dry air can cause dry skin, peeling, and even cracking and bleeding of the fingertips. Washing dishes without wearing gloves can put hands and fingers in contact with harsh detergents that can cause fingers to peel. Soaps and lotions that contain perfume can cause hands and fingertips to become irritated and peel.

Any type of trauma to the fingers, such as playing the guitar, can cause fingertips to peel. Peeling fingertips can also be associated with certain infections, reactions to medications and, rarely, potentially serious medical conditions.

A few simple measures can often stop the peeling, or at least slow it down:
Wash your hands with an unscented soap. Use an unscented moisturizer after drying your hands. Avoid trauma to your fingertips. Wear gloves when washing dishes.

Peeling skin is therefore a temporary problem and is known to heal in a few days as the new skin surfaces. Though there are few exceptions such as: 1)in case of infections or medications that cause the skin to peel or, 2) a hereditary disorder known as Peeling Skin Syndrome, all of which may require medical consultation to cure peeling skin. Some of the known causes leading to this skin disorder are: excessive perspiration, staph or viral infections, or excessive sun exposure resulting in sunburn.

Peeling skin syndrome is an extremely rare inherited disorder characterized by continual, spontaneous skin peeling or exfoliation. Other findings may include reddening of the skin  and itching.  Type B is associated with congenital erythroderma, a condition in which the skin has an intense red color.

If peeling continues, contact your doctor or see a dermatologist to rule out exfoliative keratolysis or dyshidrotic eczema.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.

[adeholder]

Thanks for all that.

It is not due to any of the above as it is my toes also!  and it has started very abruptly. I have had odd spates of this in the past after lots of washing up etc etc but this is different. I wondered if it was attached to the other symptoms I have had or indeed the stress issue?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It would be advisable not to use any cosmetic products  at the site of lesions.

You should consult a skin specialist if your symptoms do not resolve. Nothing can be said with surety without having a look at the lesions.

Post us if you need any further information. Let us know how you are doing.

Regards

[adeholder]

Great thanks.

They are not what I woud call lesions, more just peeling skin, no redness or pain. Im sure i will be fine!

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

By lesions i mean an aberration from your normal skin.

Yes, you are right - you will definitely be fine.

Post us if you need any further information. Let us know how you are doing.

Regards