What can cause a childs hands to peel?
Lots of different things can cause a child’s hands to peel, most of which can be treated at home. The mainstays of treatment are: • Using milder soaps that contain moisturizers (things that help keep water in the skin layers) • Lightly drying the hands after each washing and then immediately using a non-perfumed moisturizer to help keep water in the skin • Keeping the skin away from things that really irritate it • Limiting the number of times the hands are washed each day, if possible Some children have skin that is “more dry” than others. We notice this most often when children wash their hands very frequently. While good hand washing always should be encouraged in order to stay clean and away from germs, doing it too much can break down the surface of the skin and lead to peeling. Use mild soaps and then apply moisturizing creams, ointments or lotions at least two to three times per day to help keep water in the skin. Unscented, colorless moisturizers usually are best. Products with
