Few things are as frightening to parents as the thought that there might be something wrong with one of their children. When your child's fingers and toes show peeling skin after bathing, you might be tempted to panic. Don't. Though peeling skin after a bath can sometimes indicate a serious condition, much more often, it's either normal or easily treated. Check with your pediatrician for guidance.
Peeling Skin in Young Infants
New parents are the most likely to panic if they think they see something unusual in a child. However, if your baby is less than a few weeks old, peeling skin after you give him a bath usually is nothing to worry about. A newborn's skin is still adjusting to life outside the womb; Kids Health reports some peeling is normal, especially in babies born after their due dates.
Sunburn Recovery
Another common cause of skin peeling is sunburn. When you've spent a day at the beach or pool, even if you've been careful to slather the kids in sunscreen, it can easily rub off of their toes as they run around on the sand or grass and their fingers as they handle towels or other swim gear. A mild sunburn might not produce enough redness to be noticed, but as the skin heals, it will peel off, and water from a bath may speed up this process.
Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema is a skin condition that occurs when the skin, for reasons still not fully understood, becomes more sensitive to external stimuli than normal. Symptoms can include peeling as well as a rash, reddening of the skin and itching. A New York Times Health Guide article reports that contact with water, hot or cold temperatures or fragrances in soaps can trigger a reaction. If you have reason to suspect your child has eczema, have her examined by a dermatologist.
Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare but potentially serious childhood ailment. Symptoms include peeling skin, redness of both eyes, a rash on the stomach, chest or genital area, sore throat, and swollen, bumpy tongue, reports Kids Health. The most alarming symptom is a high fever, over 104 degrees F, that can last up to two weeks. If your child develops a fever this high, even if no other symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately, as a high fever can indicate many serious conditions. Left untreated, Kawasaki disease can cause damage to your child's circulatory system, including his heart.
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