Son had rash now peeling on hands and feet

[CAFE]

My little boy has had a hard few weeks.  He had a hydrocele repair about 2 weeks ago.  At the same time, he was being treated for sores around his mouth and nose (Doctor says they were school sores).  The day before his surgery, he got a rash on his feet, legs, bottom, hands and arms - not on trunk or face.  There were loads of red spots.  Some were raised and at first I suspected chicken pox as some looked a little like tiny blisters but the rash didnt seem to irritate him.  A doctor had a quick look and thought it was a viral rash.  The rash started to go after a few days but some spots remained and turned into brown marks on his skin.  Now his toes and fingers are peeling quite significantly.  Is this normal for a viral rash?

[CAFE]

Thank you for your help.  I feel very reassured.

This son is actually my fourth.  You'd think I would be less panicky by now but I have never come across this before.

Thanks again.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Viral infections commonly result in skin lesions and rashes. Typically, a rash occurs, and resolution is seen after the immune system clears the infection. This is a common pattern in children.
The skin peel after an inflammation is caused by the sloughing off of dead skin to make way for the new skin underneath.Peeling is an important part of the healing process.
The normal skin turn-over is about 28 days but in some cases like infection/inflammation this time is hastened and this results in quick shedding.
Keep the skin well moisturized during this period.