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Fingertip Skin Peeling

 

 

Dear Dr. Mike,
 
My son is 19 months old and lately the skin has started peeling on just the tips of his fingers.  It looks like popped blisters but he hadn't gotten any burns or anything.  A friend had suggested it could have been caused by a high fever he had last week (102+) due to a bladder infection.  Could this really have caused this?  It doesn't appear to cause him any pain, he lets me wash his hands without fuss, but I am concerned about what this could be.
 
 Thank you for your time.
 
Karen L
 

 

Hi Karen,

 

It doesn't sound like anything serious.

 

Fingertip skin peeling when it is associated with other signs or symptoms, such as high fever, red eyes, cracked lips, body rash, swelling of the hands and feet, and lymph node enlargement of the neck area can be part of a syndrome called Kawasaki's syndrome.

 

But, it sounds as if the only problem your little guy has had is the bladder infection and fever (which has already been addressed by your doc).

 

Fingertip peeling most commonly is caused by overly moist fingers (in gloves during the winter) or long hot baths, and/or swimming. And, sometimes there just isn't an explanation for it. Fever and fingertip peeling aren't necessarily related.

 

In summary, it sounds like something that is not serious and will resolve on its own.

 

Also, if you would like to read more about kidney and bladder infections, please click below:

Multiple kidney infections

Urinary tract infection

 

I hope that helps you. Dr. Mike

 

 

This article was reviewed 04/23/2010 07:24 AM

 

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