Causes of peeling skin on the palms of children and adults - what to do and treatments

Symptoms of eczema in children

The disease is characterized by:

• rash;
• redness of the skin in areas that are slightly inflamed and have signs of swelling, with clear contours;
• peeling of the skin;
• itching, intensifying in the evening;
• blisters, in place of which crusts then form;
• decreased appetite;
• weakness;
• irritability.

The nature of the manifestation of these symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. In the acute period, the skin becomes intensely red, swollen and hot to the touch. Weeping bubbles form on it. If they become infected, secondary symptoms are added to the primary symptoms - high fever, headache and muscle pain, weakness, etc.

If the pathology is not stopped within 1.5-2 months, it goes into the subacute stage. Symptoms of the acute period become less pronounced, while the skin in the affected areas thickens. If recovery does not occur within six months, the disease enters the chronic stage. The thickened skin in the affected area becomes covered with scales and becomes less red and dry to the touch. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1199031/ Miriam Santer, Sue Lewis-Jones, Tom Fahey Childhood eczema // BMJ. 2005 Sep 3; 331(7515): 497

Eczema in children is relatively severe. It is characterized by increased sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes, decreased resistance to infections, inflammatory foci often fester.

The skin peels off on the pads of the fingers. How to treat peeling hands in children

Lack of vegetables is one of the reasons for peeling skin.
In children, peeling skin on the fingers is much more common. The reason for this is that children are more susceptible to various kinds of unfavorable factors. It is the children's body that suffers most from environmental problems.

Currently, there are practically no children who are not affected by the problem of allergic diathesis. The problem may not only be in nutrition and the environment, but often children's cosmetics cause an allergic reaction, manifested by peeling of the fingers.

Often, emollient baby creams, which mothers rely on to combat dryness, give the opposite result. Creams for a child should not be selected with beautiful pictures or a pleasant smell, but first of all - hypoallergenic.

Since children have growing bodies, they require a lot of calcium. Therefore, peeling of the skin on the fingers is a consequence of the cause, the deficiency of this element.

This manifestation is especially common in the spring. Lack of sunlight, which carries vitamin D, lack of vegetables and fresh herbs, all this provokes the development of vitamin deficiency in the body.

In this case, treatment will require a balanced diet and the introduction of an additional vitamin complex, the choice of which is better to decide in consultation with a pediatrician.

But sometimes it happens that the causes of peeling and redness of the skin on the hands and fingers are infectious, fungal or parasitic diseases - scabies, scarlet fever, athlete's foot and others. In such cases, it is recommended to visit a dermatologist, he will prescribe appropriate examination and treatment.

Reasons for appearance

One of the main reasons is heredity. In order for the disease to manifest itself, a stimulus is needed, which can be an allergic reaction (to children's cosmetics, household chemicals, animal hair, etc.), stress against the background of general weakness of the body. The disease is also caused by:

• endocrine pathologies;
• infection with worms;
• viruses;
• dysbacteriosis;
• infections;
• some foods and medications that the mother uses if the child is breastfed.

Each of these factors does not cause disease on its own. Several equivalent causes are involved in the development of “wetting lichen”. As a result, an unusual response of the body to internal and external influences is formed.

Eczema in a child can occur on the body, legs, arms, face, head, fingers, behind the ears, and on the elbows.

“Ringworm” on the legs manifests itself as a rash, burning, itching at the beginning of life or in adolescence. The likelihood of its occurrence increases when the feet sweat a lot, the immune system is reduced, the diet is disrupted and the rules of personal hygiene are not followed. The skin dries out greatly, cracks form, causing pain.

Eczema on the hands causes psychological discomfort if the child is already adapting to society and imposes restrictions on usual actions. Occurs from: prolonged contact with detergents, allergies to cat hair, certain foods, pollen, excessive sweating of the hands, excessive dryness of the skin, suppuration.

This disease is very common, localized on the elbows. With it, the skin is very dry, cracks form, the child feels itching, the skin peels and turns red.

Another common type of eczema is its dry form . Localization - fingers . It usually starts with one finger and spreads without treatment up to the entire hand. Clinical picture: cracks, dryness and roughness of the skin, decreased elasticity, peeling, rash. Itching occurs rarely and is mild. Variety - localization between the fingers. It manifests itself as small blisters and severe itching. When the bubbles burst, weeping areas are formed, which then become rough, peel, and become covered with pigmentation and cracks.

The disease can develop on the body. In this case, an itchy rash, inflammation, blisters and vesicles (watery cavities protruding above the surface of the skin), erosion, and red spots appear. May appear in the first weeks of life.

On the head, the disease very often appears in infants already in the 2nd week of life, when the hormonal background has not yet become established. Usually it does not bother the child, it looks like peeling.

Eczema on the face causes great discomfort because it spoils the child’s appearance. Other children avoid such patients. The disease is most often acute , accompanied by swelling, redness, blisters with clear liquid, itching and pain. When the blister opens, erosion is visible in its place, then a crust forms. This cycle is repeated many times, so the face actually “blooms”: at the same time there are erosions, blisters, and dried areas. On the eyelids, the skin thickens and peels off greatly, the cheeks and eyebrows show symptoms symmetrically, the lips become very dry, can crack and bleed, and whitish scales separate from them.

The disease can be localized behind the ears. Wet areas form, which then dry out and cracks form. Accompanied by itching and swelling of the skin.

Causes of peeling skin in children

Children quickly react to factors in the space around them. In addition to dry air and the adaptation period after birth, there are a number of other reasons for the appearance of peeling:

• improper care and hygiene violations;
• reaction to dry air or cold;
• allergic reaction to hygiene products, food;
• clothing made of synthetic materials;
• congenital diseases;
• lack of vitamins A and E.

Each of these reasons is widespread, but they are not always immediately excluded as a provoking factor. Dry air can be humidified. The optimal indicator for an infant is 50-60%. If necessary, it is recommended to change shampoos, soaps and bathing gels to hypoallergenic ones. Children 1 year of age and older may have a helminthic infestation. This provokes intoxication of the body, and hence skin manifestations. With treatment and regular care, peeling goes away.

Types of eczema

Eczema is divided into several types - true, viral, seborrheic, atopic, microbial and mycotic.

True (idiopathic) eczema

This is the most common. In its acute form, it manifests itself as a multitude of microvesicles - tiny bubbles filled with liquid. They quickly open, forming microerosions that are covered with granulations - crusts. Lesions begin on the face and hands, and then cover the entire body. They cause severe itching. The lesions have no clear boundaries. In the chronic stage, infiltrates are formed, usually symmetrical relative to each other.

A type of true eczema is dyshidrotic . It is localized mainly on the palms, soles, lateral surfaces of the toes and hands. Multiple bubbles are arranged in groups. Contact eczema, which occurs on open areas of the skin after contact with an allergen, is also considered true.

Viral eczema (exanthema)

It develops due to the entry into the body of pathogens of viral infections that affect the skin - herpes viruses, chickenpox, hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Bar and Coxsackie, enteroviruses and cytomegalovirus, adenovirus and parvovirus B19. It is especially difficult. Symptoms appear abruptly, accompanied by swelling of the skin, increased body temperature and nausea. Source: E.O. Utenkova Infectious exanthemas in children // Children's infections, 2021, No. 17(3)

Seborrheic eczema

It occurs after seborrhea as a complication. It is characterized by severe itching and flaking in the scalp, behind the ears and on the neck, as well as in areas where there are many sebaceous glands - between the shoulder blades, on the shoulders and in the décolleté. Accompanied by the formation of yellow-gray crusts.

Atopic

It manifests itself as a reaction to external factors in the form of dryness and flaking of the skin. It is a chronic recurrent inflammation of the skin. May be complicated by fungal and microbial infections. It often develops in infancy and as it grows older it can enter a stage of stable remission. Source: L.S. Namazova, Yu.G. Levina, A.G. Surkov, K.E. Efendieva, I.I. Balabolkin, T.E. Borovik, N.I. Voznesenskaya, L.F. Kaznacheeva, L.P. Mazitova, G.V. Yatsyk Atopic dermatitis // Pediatric pharmacology, 2006, No. 1, pp. 34-40

Microbial

These are asymmetrical rashes, provoked by microbes entering wounds on the skin - abrasions, scratches, fistulas. The lesions have clear boundaries and are often located on the legs and arms.

Mycotic

Develops as an allergy to a fungal infection. Characterized by clear, round lesions. Difficult to treat.

Signs of low hemoglobin in a child

Pathological conditions of the body can be temporary or chronic. This is an indicator of low hemoglobin in the blood. This is one of the factors that disrupts the normal functioning of the skin. In the first days of life, hemoglobin is at the level of 180-240 g/l, and by the end of the first week it drops to 200 g/l. The norm for children over 1 year of age is 120-160 g/l. If your child's skin is peeling, it means his hemoglobin level may be low. Pay attention to the following signs: lethargy and drowsiness, moodiness, weakness, decreased appetite. In school-age children with low hemoglobin, disruptions in learning and memory are observed. A characteristic symptom is pale skin color.

When to see a doctor

A dermatologist will be able to help you deal with the symptoms and complaints of young patients after diagnosis at an appointment. He will determine why the child’s skin is peeling on different parts of the body. Leading specialists with extensive experience in dermatology and pediatrics work at JSC “Medicine” (academician Roitberg’s clinic) in the center of Moscow. Various peelings are not always the cause of pathological conditions. Seek advice when your child develops severe itching and the location of dry patches begins to increase and change shape. In advanced cases, the skin may peel off (peele).

Diagnosis of skin conditions

At JSC “Medicine” (academician Roitberg’s clinic) you can conduct a comprehensive examination of the health status of children. When a child’s skin on his body peels, a dermatologist conducts an examination and asks about the time of onset of symptoms and their nature. Of the main diagnostic methods, ultrasound may be needed to identify the relationship of pathologies with the condition of internal organs and laboratory tests:

• blood test (biochemical, general, antibodies and antigens);
• analysis of scrapings from the peeling area (microscopy);
• histological and cytological studies;
• flora culture to determine sensitivity.

Possible diseases: symptoms

Peeling is not always such a harmless phenomenon. The reasons for its appearance may be not only living conditions, hygiene procedures with detergents and the influence of temperatures. Congenital, autoimmune, chronic diseases are causes of concern for parents.

Seborrheic and atopic dermatitis

You should definitely seek advice if you have a history of seborrheic and atopic dermatitis. In the first case, the phenomenon in the form of dense brown-yellow crusts on the head is typical for all newborns, but they can also appear in preschool children. This type of seborrheic dermatitis usually resolves as the enzyme system strengthens with age. If we are talking about its other signs, when flaky spots on the child’s skin appear on the cheeks, forearms, and chest (red in color and irregular shape), the diagnostic tactics are different. There may be disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which will be investigated. Atopic dermatitis is a more complex disease. If you notice that your child’s skin is too dry, he scratches it a lot under the knees, on the neck and on the bend of the elbow joints, you need control of a dermatologist. Without treatment, atopic dermatitis can spread throughout the body as we age.

Severe peeling of fingers

Localization of skin problem sites indicates different causes. Contact your dermatologist if your child of any age experiences peeling and itching between the toes—it could be scabies. The manifestation of such a symptom on the lateral surface of the fingers presumably signals a fungus. Silvery-white scales are characteristic of psoriasis or lichen. An urgent consultation is needed if a fever develops, which is typical for scarlet fever.

Manifestation of dry skin on the legs

If a child has peeling skin on his legs, the reason may lie in vitamin deficiency. In newborns, as they grow and receive sufficient feeding, the deficiency eliminates itself. If there is no improvement, the dermatologist prescribes vitamins in the right dosage according to age. The causes may also be gastrointestinal diseases, for example, dysbiosis. In case of peeling and itching in preschool and school age, children should be examined for the presence of fungal infections.

Rare disease - ichthyosis

This disease is rarely found in its classical manifestation, but about 30 varieties are known to medicine. At different stages of the disease, skin lesions appear from mild roughness, pityriasis-like peeling to severe forms. The epidermis resembles the scales of a fish. The main symptoms are: thick, keratinized areas of skin, severe itching and overheating of the body due to impaired sweating. The disease requires medical monitoring and daily correction of the skin condition with creams, ointments, gels, water treatments, etc.

Prevention and advice

The doctor determines why a child’s skin is peeling. At home, preventing this phenomenon is to use a humidifier. This is especially important during the heating season. Preventive measures also include the following:

• apply baby cream to the skin before walking in the cold season;
• exclude synthetic clothing from your wardrobe;
• select household chemicals from the children's segment (powders, rinses);
• do not wrap your child up too much at home or on the street;
• bathe babies and older children not in hot water (maximum 37);
• monitor your drinking regime (avoid dehydration);
• stick to a diet without foods that cause allergies;
• avoid vitamin deficiency.

Diagnosis of the disease

The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis based on the clinical picture and survey results. To confirm it, prescribe:

• general and biochemical blood tests;
• general urine analysis;
• complex allergological and immunological studies, including skin patch tests.

Since sometimes the manifestations of eczema in children are similar to ringworm and scabies, histological examination of the affected tissue may be necessary for differential diagnosis.

Treatment

A certain therapy is prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing the disease. It may include medications and a number of care products, including traditional recipes. It can be especially difficult to get rid of fungal infections, but after identifying its type, this is quite possible with the correct selection of ointment. In case of an allergic reaction, completely different medications are prescribed - with antihistamine properties, and in case of vitamin deficiency - with a complex of vitamins. Even salon procedures such as paraffin therapy, hot or spa manicure can prevent peeling.

Medication

The prescription of drugs is determined by the reason why the skin is peeling. In case of fungal infection, treatment is carried out using such means as:

• Nizoral;
• Ketoconazole;
• Exoderil;
• Fluconazole;
• Lamisil;
• Diflucan.

Therapy may not be very quick and may take a long time, up to several months. If the cause is an allergen, then you need to limit contact with it. To enhance the effect, it is necessary to take antihistamines, for example, Suprastin or Zyrtec. In addition to them, sorbents are often used that remove toxins from the body. When treating more severe diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, the doctor himself determines the therapy. It includes:

• corticosteroid drugs – Advantan, Lokoid;
• anti-inflammatory medications - Elokom, Bepanten, Fenistil.

Self-medication is unacceptable here, as is the case with syphilis, lupus erythematosus, scarlet fever, scabies and other diseases that cause peeling. If the problem is a lack of vitamins, then you should take a multivitamin complex and additionally eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. Ointments designed to regenerate the upper layer of the epidermis can be auxiliary products in the treatment of skin. The highest quality restorative drugs are:

• Bepanten;
• Panthenol;
• Radevit;
• Neutrogenia.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes are also effective in combating peeling hands. Although it is better to use them as an adjuvant to the main therapy against a specific disease prescribed by a doctor. If the skin peeling is not caused by serious pathologies, then you can use the following folk recipes:

1. Celandine ointment. To prepare it, add 1 cup of vegetable oil to the leaves of the plant. Then you need to boil this mixture, add 20 g of wax to it and keep it on the fire until it is completely dissolved. Apply the resulting composition to the damaged areas 2 times a day.
2. Gelatin. Baths are made from this product. To do this, pour 1 teaspoon of gelatin into 1 glass of water. The mixture is boiled for 40 minutes, then allowed to stand for a while. You need to place your hands in the warm mass and hold it until it cools.
3. Honey with oatmeal. A mask is made based on them. To do this, take 1 tablespoon of each ingredient, mix and leave for a couple of minutes. Leave this mask on the skin of your hands for about half an hour, then wash it off with warm water and lubricate the skin with a rich cream.

Cosmetics

Proper regular care is very important for hand health. Cosmetics in the form of creams, ointments, lotions and other types help to carry it out. Preparations with the following components will be effective for the health and beauty of the skin:

• hyaluronic acid;
• linoleic and linolenic acids;
• hexahydric alcohol sorbitol;
• collagen;
• glycerin.

These components help provide hydration to the epidermis, stimulate cell renewal, increase protective qualities and add elasticity. Moisturizers based on olive oil, jojoba oil, grape seed and apricot are also very useful. Any fatty ointment with these components has a positive effect. Baby cream and Lyubava cream are suitable for any skin type. Regardless of the drug, it is applied in a thin layer to the skin, allowed to absorb, after which the excess is removed with a sponge.

Treatment of eczema in children

How to treat eczema in a child

The most important thing is to reliably determine the cause, then you need to exclude contact with the allergen or other provoking factor. For skin care, the doctor prescribes external medicinal products. It is very important not to allow your child to scratch their skin, especially an infant. To do this, children have their nails cut and put on special textile bags. In some cases, lotions, talc, some types of physiotherapy, hot baths, etc. are used. The doctor may prescribe oral antihistamines, anti-inflammatory and other drugs. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6001985/ Simon Tso Management of childhood eczema: reflections from secondary care // Br J Gen Pract. 2021 Jun; 68(671): 269

Important! Children's allergic reactions cannot be triggered and treated with folk remedies. You definitely need to see a doctor to make a correct diagnosis.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1199031/ Miriam Santer, Sue Lewis-Jones, Tom Fahey. Childhood eczema // BMJ. 2005 Sep 3; 331(7515): 497.
2. E.O. Utenkova. Infectious exanthemas in children // Children's infections, 2021, No. 17(3).
3. L.S. Namazova, Yu.G. Levina, A.G. Surkov, K.E. Efendieva, I.I. Balabolkin, T.E. Borovik, N.I. Voznesenskaya, L.F. Kaznacheeva, L.P. Mazitova, G.V. Yatsyk. Atopic dermatitis // Pediatric pharmacology, 2006, No. 1, pp. 34-40.
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6001985/ Simon Tso. Management of childhood eczema: reflections from secondary care // Br J Gen Pract. 2021 Jun; 68(671): 269.

The information in this article is provided for reference purposes and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Don't self-medicate! At the first signs of illness, you should consult a doctor.

What to do

A dermatologist can correctly diagnose the reason why the skin of your hands is peeling, so if you have such a symptom, it is better to immediately contact a dermatologist. Until this point, you can try to improve the condition or at least alleviate it. The first thing you need to do is start taking care of your skin. After washing, they need to be dried thoroughly. Twice a day, the skin should be lubricated with a nourishing cream containing chamomile, glycerin or aloe. The following will help improve your condition:

1. Baths. A very effective recipe is 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. Leave your hands in this composition for about a quarter of an hour, after which they are blotted with a napkin and lubricated with cream.
2. Masks. Honey ones are especially useful. Honey should simply be applied to the skin. After half an hour, it is washed thoroughly.
3. Lotion. Rub your hands with a piece of cucumber, then lubricate them with a mixture of glycerin cream and lemon juice.

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Briefly about diagnostics

A visual examination will not be enough; experts strongly recommend scraping the damaged area.

In addition, you will need:

1. take a blood test to make sure there is no infectious pathology;
2. take a stool test to determine the presence of helminthiasis;
3. be examined by several specialized specialists.

Most often, a consultation with a gastroenterologist or endocrinologist is necessary to make a diagnosis. A visit to an allergist, dermatologist and neurologist may be required to determine why the skin on your child’s toes is peeling.