Peeling Skin on Hands and Feet in Children

What is peeling skin on hands and feet in children?

Peeling skin (desquamation) is the loss or shedding of the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). Peeling skin on the hands and feet in children can be caused by direct damage to the skin or by a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders and conditions. Allergic and infectious causes are common in children. However, peeling skin on the hands and feet in children may be a sign of some rare, but serious conditions.

Peeling skin on the hands and feet can occur alone or it can affect the full body. Depending on the cause of peeling skin on the hands and feet, it may go away with over-the-counter (OTC) creams or lotions, or it may require treatment of an underlying disease, disorder or condition.

Because of the range of possible causes of peeling skin on a child’s hands and feet, a correct diagnosis of the underlying disease, disorder or condition is very important. Contact your healthcare provider for a physical exam.

Seek prompt medical care if peeling is unexplained, is persistent, or recurs after treatment.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have peeling skin associated with confusion, change in consciousness, blisters or sores, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, painful skin, or facial swelling. These symptoms can indicate a serious, life-threatening condition, such as toxic shock syndrome or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.