Skin peeling in layers

[MamaC4]

My 6 years old skin from her thumb just started peeling in one big layer. It starterd out looking like a blister that covered the tip then it started peeling, now it is happening on her other hand on her thumb and pointer finger.  She is taking antibiotics and just got out of the hospital for an infection in her throat.  She had an iv and antibiotics through her iv.  She doesn't suck on her fingers and hasn't had any bandages on the fingers that are peeling.  Why is this happening? It's never happened before.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Various possibilities for peeling fingertip are trauma and allergic or irritant contact dermatitis like washing dishes without wearing gloves,contact with harsh detergents,soaps and lotions that contain perfume can cause hands and fingertips to become irritated and peel.Sometimes cold, dry air can cause  peeling and dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause peeling.

Ask your daughter to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.She can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. During the day, hydrate and protect hands from sun damage with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. For a more intensive nighttime treatment, apply cream and then cover hands with gloves or socks.

If still the symptoms do not improve then pls get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections have to be ruled out then.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[Carmi4]

My 6 year old son has what sounds like the same problem as MamaC4's daughter. How long should we continue the daily moisturizing and nightly repair treatments, before we go see a doctor? My son's peeling has spread from fingertips, then to whole fingers, and now covers most of both hands. He says it doesn't hurt or itch, but I catch him picking at it. I noticed this about 4-5 days ago.

Thank you!

[MamaC4]

Thank you for all of the great tips.  I brought her to the Dr. and she said the peeling was caused from her infection.  Her skin from her feet starting peeling too.  She gave us Aquaphor Healing Ointment to put on the peeling skin and told her not to peel it. It eventually went away and she is back to normal. Thanks again!