Why Do Children Experience Peeling Skin on Their Hands and Feet? What Can Be Done?
When children's hands and feet start to peel, parents should analyze and judge the situation rationally. Not all peeling is caused by a lack of vitamins. Fungal infections can also lead to peeling, and if family members have athlete's foot or hand tinea, it can easily be transmitted to children, resulting in peeling on their hands and feet. If the peeling is seasonal, it is mainly caused by dry weather. Applying moisturizing cream to the child's skin can increase its hydration and reduce the symptoms of peeling.
If a child has mild peeling without inflammation, pain, or itching, it can be considered normal and is known as "physiological desquamation". This is caused by rapid metabolism in children and generally does not require special treatment. It occurs mainly during certain seasons, especially in spring and autumn. Most children will stop peeling after a certain period, while some may have a longer duration, lasting from several weeks to a couple of months. To help alleviate the condition, parents can apply body lotion to the child's skin after bathing and use vitamin E capsules on their hands.
Peeling on a child's hands and feet may also be caused by a lack of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects the skin's surface. A deficiency can lead to dry skin and peeling. It is recommended to increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin A, such as animal liver, egg yolks, milk, cheese, fish, shellfish, and carrots. In cases of severe deficiency, vitamin supplements can be prescribed by a doctor.
If a child's hands and feet are infected with fungi, they are prone to peeling. Common symptoms include peeling, itching, and erythema, which can recur and may be contagious, spreading through towels, handkerchiefs, and other items. It is essential to seek medical diagnosis promptly and use antifungal medication as prescribed by a doctor.
The most common type of peeling is general surface peeling without itching or rash, mainly caused by dry weather. This can occur during periods of high water loss from the body or when using alkaline cleansers such as hand soap or shower gel. Generally, no special treatment is required. Parents should ensure that their children stay hydrated, consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and use mild cleansers and shower gels.
1. Some parents mistakenly attribute hand peeling in children to a lack of fruits and vitamins. However, there are many reasons for hand peeling in children, and parents should not blindly supplement vitamins without proper diagnosis.
2. Exfoliative peeling commonly occurs in children during the late summer and early autumn. It typically manifests as the shedding of the outer layer of skin on the hands without other symptoms. This is caused by water loss in the body. It is recommended to avoid using strongly alkaline soaps and allow the skin to heal naturally.
3. Contact peeling occurs when a child's skin comes into contact with rough or irritating surfaces. Since children's skin is delicate, it is easily damaged.
4. Dry skin peeling is often caused by using strongly alkaline cleansers. This type of peeling is commonly associated with skin cracking. It is important to choose mild cleansers and moisturizers for children.
5. Sweat rash peeling is caused by excessive sweating and is characterized by the appearance of red blisters and itching, which may also affect the feet. Children generally have a higher water content in their bodies. Overdressing or excessive wrapping can lead to this condition.
6. Hangnails, commonly known as "upside-down thorns," typically appear around the nail beds. They are caused by a lack of water and vitamins in the child's body. Therefore, it is essential to encourage children to eat more fruits.
