Skin peeling

[kadacrow3]

I'm not sure whats happening, a few weeks ago my foot (between my toes) had skin peeling and felt dry.  I thought it was something that was caused by dryness and just ignored it.  Its getting better now and almost completely gone, but heres the problem.  My hands started having small circular patches, on palm and side of fingers.  they are peeling off, getting bigger and spreading more little circles.  No signs of it getting better.  Seems like just first layer of skin peeling off, and no redness or itchiness.

[SashaMichelson]

A blood test could reveal the potential issues.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

We just need to make sure that this is not an adverse drug reaction or an allergic reaction. These may require immediate intervention. However, in your case you have been experiencing this for quite sometime already so these conditions may be readily ruled out. An infectious process may be likely and a  dermatitis may still be a differential. At this point, it is best to have this assessed early on. I would not advise that you apply anything on the area, as this may only cause further irritation.

[kadacrow3]

I have thought about that, to my knowledge I have not been using any new soap, or any substance that would be applied to my skin.  I do not have any medications I take on a daily basis, etc.  Looks like I'm going to have to visit a dermatologist since this does not seem like a common or easily identified issue.  Let me know if there are any other steps I should be taking before deciding to visit a doctor.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Allergic reactions have to be ruled out. If you are taking any new medications recently, then you may need to have this assessed as an allergic reaction may be involved here. Bacterial infections have been mentioned by me as they may lead to sloughing off of the skin. Streptococcus and staphylococcal infections may be contributory to this. A culture of the skin or scales may help identify the organisms which may be causing this.

[kadacrow3]

No other noticed symptoms.  Just the outer layer of both hands peeling, no flu like or cold symptoms.  the insides of the peeling skin just seems like the rest, no red or itchiness like mentioned above.  But I'm worried constant exposure will lead to other problems.  Any other things I should look for to help ID this problem?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This sounds like a case of irritant dermatitis. Irritant or xerotic dermatitis usually involves the extremities. They may present as dryness with itchiness ,scaling and even peeling of the affected skin. Other differentials may be an eczematous skin condition. Eczema may start as dermatitis. The itch scratch cycle leads to scratching and excoriations. Otherwise normal skin may be involved.

In your case, it is important to note if the symptoms were preceded with a sore throat, flulike symptoms fever or eye redness. Peeling of the skin may also be caused by an underlying bacterial infection.

Are there any associated signs and symptoms?