Concerns About Prolonged Skin Peeling Post HFMD
I am 16 years old, weigh 155 pounds, and am 5 feet 10 inches tall. Currently, I have not been prescribed any medications and I am avoiding taking substances other than Tylenol, as directed by my doctor for pain relief. I received a diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease on April 5th, although I believe I contracted it a few days earlier, around April 3rd. According to the physician, I was informed that symptoms typically resolve within a timeframe of 7 to 10 days from diagnosis. As of today, April 21st, I have noticed a significant reduction in the number of red bumps on my hands, yet there are still a few present, and I’m experiencing considerable skin peeling. I am uncertain whether this ongoing peeling is a usual part of recovery or if it warrants a visit back to the hospital for further evaluation.
Answers (1)
4/22/2025, 2:10:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about ongoing symptoms following your diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Skin peeling, particularly on the hands, can occur as part of the healing process after HFMD. Here’s a breakdown:
Main Points:
- Skin peeling after HFMD can be normal as the skin regenerates.
- Monitor the peeling and associated symptoms to determine if a follow-up is necessary.
- Keep the affected areas clean and moisturized to promote healing.
Explanation:
HFMD is usually caused by viruses that can lead to skin rashes and lesions, especially on the hands, feet, and mouth. After the initial red bumps subside, it is common for the skin to peel as it heals. This peeling may continue for several weeks, depending on your skin’s sensitivity and healing process. It is generally not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other troubling symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the extent of the peeling. If it worsens or you develop new symptoms (like increased pain, fever, or signs of infection such as pus or significant redness), that might justify further medical evaluation.
-
Hydrate and Moisturize: Use a gentle moisturizer on the peeling areas to prevent drying and cracking, which can help comfort your skin. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate your skin further.
-
Keep the Skin Clean: Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and water, patting them dry instead of rubbing.
-
Avoid Picking: Try not to pick or peel off the skin yourself as this can lead to infection or prolonged healing.
-
Follow Up if Needed: If you’re still seeing significant peeling after another week, or if any new symptoms arise, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for reassurance or additional guidance.
It’s great that you’re keeping track of your progress. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Enigmatic Skin Condition
I’ve recently stumbled upon this community and wanted to share my experience! Here's my story: - At the age of 22, I noticed peculiar marks appearing on both of my hands. They weren’t itchy or red, but there was some slight swelling in my hands. - I felt perfectly healthy otherwise, without any additional symptoms. - These marks extended from my fingertips to about the halfway point on my forearms. - Over a span of two weeks, they began as subtle symptoms beneath the skin and eventually surfaced, with some areas developing blisters. - Prior to this, I had experienced chicken pox as a child at three years old and shingles on my back at the age of 19. Since then, I have had no other skin-related problems, and I’ve never dealt with cold sores, warts, or anything similar. - I consulted a general practitioner at the time, who speculated that it might be stress-related as he eliminated the possibility of contact dermatitis. This was shortly after I graduated from college about a month earlier. This incident occurred back in 2008, and I haven't encountered anything like it again. I would appreciate any insights or thoughts you may have!
Identifying Mysterious Nose Spots
Greetings everyone! I'm a 32-year-old woman, and I don't take any medications. For several months now, I've been dealing with two spots on my nose that simply won’t go away. I maintain a skincare routine that includes cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, but despite my efforts, these spots remain persistent. They lack a noticeable head, which makes it impossible for me to pop them, and they neither cause discomfort nor have they grown larger over time. I woke up one day to discover them, and they’ve been there ever since. My apologies for the poor image quality.
Seeking Help for a Skin Rash
Age: 20 years Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 10 inches Weight: 130 pounds Ethnicity: Asian Length of Symptoms: Approximately one week, although the larger area of irritation has been developing for about three weeks. Affected Area: My arms Medical History: No known health issues Current Treatments: Not taking any medications at the moment.
Evaluating a Suspicious Spot on the Skin
At 33 years old, I've recently observed a pale spot developing on my forehead. This soft, raised area has been increasing in size rapidly and was not present back in October. I've noticed it subtly emerging in some earlier photos as well, highlighting the change over time. The spot does not exhibit any symptoms like itching, scabbing, or flaking. During summer months, I do spend considerable time outdoors, but I consistently apply sunscreen for protection. My esthetics specialist, whom I consult every other month for facials, mentioned that this spot does not appear to be related to acne and does not seem to contain any fluid or resemble milia. Given my upcoming medical appointments, I’m attempting to determine which ones should be addressed first. I discontinued spironolactone two months ago for managing elevated androgen levels and borderline polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), after being on it for approximately two years. Additionally, I stopped taking Wegovy one month ago as my husband and I are intending to try for a child following the appropriate waiting period. Currently, I am not taking any vitamins, medications, or supplements.
Unusual Skin Changes After Showering
I'm a 33-year-old female and I'm curious if anyone has experienced something similar. After I shower, I often notice a reddish rash appearing on my legs. However, today there were also numerous purple spots alongside the typical redness. Unfortunately, I can't upload images here, but I'll share them in the comments for those interested in what I'm describing.