Peeling skin doesn't seem like a big deal, but in certain instances, it can be very bad. Your child's skin is very delicate and sensitive, which is why her skin may react differently than yours when it comes to sunburns or allergic reactions. If your child's peeling skin is a concern, talk to her pediatrician or dermatologist.
Types
Sunburns, chemical burns, burns from a fire, scarlet fever and skin conditions such as dyshidrotic dermatitis--a type of contact dermatitis--can cause your child's skin to peel. Severe side effects from certain medications, such as children's ibuprofen, can also cause skin peeling.
Location
Where your child's skin is peeling may help determine the underlying cause. Scarlet fever is not as common today as it was 100 years ago, but children can still develop it. When a child has scarlet fever, peeling of the skin will mostly be prominent in areas such as his armpits, groin, fingertips and the tips of his toes. Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a form of eczema that occurs on the hands, and will cause peeling on the palm of the hand, fingers and fingertips.
Time Frame
Depending upon the cause of your child's skin peeling, it may take a few days to occur. If she developed a sunburn, skin peeling usually results several days later, according to MedlinePlus. It will also take several days for her skin to peel from chemical and fire burns. If she has scarlet fever, skin peeling will usually occur on the sixth day of infection, according to DermNet NZ. Peeling of the skin in regards to eczema can happen in just a couple of days. If she's having a severe side effect due to children's ibuprofen, skin peeling can occur right away, according to Drugs.com.
Considerations
If you're not sure what's causing your child's skin to peel, have him diagnosed right away. Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection which requires antibiotics, according to DermNet NZ. Other conditions such as sunburn or chemical burn may also require prompt medical attention. If your child has peeling skin, picking at it may make it worse, and could lead to infection if the underlying skin is raw and oozes clear pus.
Prevention/Solution
Ensure that your child wears sunscreen before heading outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every few hours to ensure maximum protection. Keep pots, pans, lighters and candles away from children to minimize the risk of burns. Scarlet fever is usually brought on after another infection such as strep throat. If your child is sick, get him prompt medical attention and ensure that he takes all medication until it is completely finished.
