peeling of hands and feet

[linzi6583]

my 5 year old daughters skin has started to peel very badly over the last week, it's peeling off in layers what do i do?  i have tried to moisturise it every day but it doesnt seem to be getting any better should i visit my gp?  i haven't yet as her granmother says she has the same problem an that  i should not worry but i am.  please help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Various possibilities for peeling hands and feet are trauma and allergic or irritant contact dermatitis like contact with harsh detergents,soaps and lotions that contain perfume can cause hands and feet to become irritated and peel.Sometimes cold, dry air can cause  peeling and dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause peeling.
Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin.
Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

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.Also steroids may need to be prescribed.

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

[jagesh50]

I would not worry if the child has not been given some medications particularly herbal.The condition i am talking is Pink disease which now is a rarity.Those days of mercurials children would develop hands and feet peeling on exposure to calomel.Even today certain so called herbal medicines they add mercury.