There are several potential causes of peeling hands, feet and lips and most of these have a genetic basis rather than a cause that can be simply avoided. However, exposure to irritants such as soaps and detergents/ cleaning agents and excessive exposure to water will aggravate any of these conditions. They do tend to be chronic and frustrating.
a. There is a subtype of eczema (juvenile forefoot dermatitis) that causes dry, peeling skin under the forefeet/ toes, around the heels and fingertips. Although itch can occur, this type of eczema is more commonly sore as cracks and fissures readily develop. People who get this type of eczema often have dry skin elsewhere and dry lips.
b. A condition called keratolysis exfoliativa – palms and soles peel at various times of the year, particularly summer. This is a nuisance but is not usually very severe or incapacitating.
c. Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis – redness and peeling of palms and soles, particularly in winter. The underlying skin can be very sore. This runs in the family as an autosomal dominant condition.