If your child's hands begin peeling, schedule a consultation with your pediatrician and, if necessary, ask for a referral to a qualified dermatologist. Peeling skin can indicate a range of illnesses, or it may be nothing more serious than a sunburn. If the peeling is accompanied by diarrhea, swelling, vomiting or other more serious symptoms, seek emergency care.
Strep Throat
If your child has recently contracted streptococcal pharyngitis, more commonly known as strep throat, the peeling skin may be a residual effect of the illness. It's common for the bacterial infection to result in flaking or peeling skin from one to three weeks following the initial outbreak of the illness. Usually the peeling is concentrated close to the fingertips. If the initial case of strep throat is accompanied by red rashes and a fever, it's more likely to experience the peeling symptoms afterwards, as the inflamed skin flakes off.
Eczema
Eczema is a relatively common cause of peeling, blistering and scaly skin among children. The disorder is usually chronic, though it also manifests in many children only to fade by adolescence. Colds, allergies, dry skin, stress and exposure to irritants such as fragrances or pollen may aggravate eczema symptoms. Common treatments include cortisone injections, topical cortisone ointments and oral antihistamines. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lifestyle and dietary changes, such as reducing stress factors, also evidence success in reducing eczema outbreaks.
Kawasaki Disease
If peeling hands are accompanied by a fever lasting up to a week, bloodshot eyes and swollen lymph nodes, the cause may be Kawasaki Disease. The disease is not thoroughly understood, but it affects mucus membranes, lymph nodes and the heart and circulatory system. Among children, Kawasaki Disease is the leading cause of heart disease. Additional symptoms may include vomiting, stomachache, coughing and a runny nose. Typically, children with the disease are hospitalized and given gamma globulin intraveneously.
Other Common Causes
While peeling hands may indicate serious illnesses, such as Kawasaki Disease, it's far more likely that the skin condition is due to environment irritants. If your child has been exposed to intense sunlight, the peeling may be nothing more than a sunburn. Washing hands shortly after sunscreen application may explain the localized burning. Dry environments may also explain the skin damage, whether from the outdoor environment or from indoor heating. Allergies also commonly cause skin irritation. To rule out allergic reactions, test your child for intolerances to common allergens, such as peanuts, pollen or dust mites.
