What causes peeling skin on children's hands and feet?

Nov 11, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, peeling skin on children's hands and feet may be caused by poor lifestyle habits, dry skin, vitamin deficiencies, allergic reactions, fungal infections, or other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Daily measures should include reducing contact between the child's hands and feet and rough surfaces, such as sand or soil, to minimize friction and irritation.

Generally, peeling skin on children's hands and feet may be caused by poor lifestyle habits, dry skin, vitamin deficiency, allergic reactions, fungal infections, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor lifestyle habits: Habits such as picking at the hands and feet, or using soap or hand wash with a strong alkaline content, may worsen peeling skin. It is recommended to correct these poor habits, avoid picking at the hands and feet, use gentle and non-irritating skincare products, and reduce irritation to the hands and feet.

2. Dry skin: Dry climate, insufficient moisturizing, or excessive cleaning may lead to dry skin on children's hands and feet, resulting in peeling. Keeping the skin moisturized in daily life, appropriately using moisturizing creams or oils, avoiding strongly alkaline cleansers, and reducing the frequency of hand washing and bathing are recommended.

3. Vitamin deficiency: Some children may have picky eating habits and dislike fruits and vegetables, leading to vitamin deficiency in the body, causing dry skin and subsequent peeling of the hands and feet. It is recommended to adjust the diet, increase intake of vitamin-rich foods such as tomatoes, kiwifruit, carrots, spinach, and maintain a balanced nutrition.

4. Allergic reactions: Children may experience allergic skin reactions to certain substances, causing inflammation and subsequent peeling of the skin on the hands and feet. Avoid contact with allergens as much as possible, and follow medical advice for the use of antiallergic medications and topical corticosteroids, such as Ebastine oral solution, Loratadine syrup, Astemizole capsules, etc. Additionally, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the hands and feet, and avoid scratching.

5. Fungal infection: Children's hand and foot skin may be infected by fungi, causing peeling. Fungal infections typically present with symptoms such as localized redness, itching, and flaking of the skin. Antifungal medications like Terbinafine Hydrochloride cream or Clotrimazole cream may be used under a doctor's guidance. At the same time, maintain cleanliness and dryness of the hands and feet and avoid direct contact with infected areas.

In daily life, reduce children's contact of hands and feet with rough surfaces such as sand and dirt to minimize friction and irritation; choose breathable, soft, and comfortable shoes and socks, and avoid wearing socks or shoes that are too tight or made of coarse materials.