My 4 yo DS is generally very healthy. For about the last year he has had, on and off, peeling and cracking skin on his fingertips - just on the pads, not around the nail. It never extends anywhere else, it's not on his toes. The skin doesn't blister, it just peels. sometimes it cracks and bleeds. the nails are normal. He has never had eczema or any other skin problems. The skin on his fingers now feels quite thick and I can't see his fingerprints any more. Every fingertip peels. Sometimes it completely disappears for a while, then comes back. I cannot identify anything that seems to cause it to come or go.
It doesn't bother him too much but does look unsightly and I'd like it fixed before school starts, and I am also a teeny bit worried that it might be a sign of something else going on (a deficiency maybe?).
First GP said fungal. 2nd gp (who is also a dermatologist) said contact eczema. Neither has provided treatment that makes any difference.
So far I have tried:
bog standard moisturisers
vaseline
epaderm
on prescription:
fungal cream
mild steriods
moderate strength steroids
aquamol handwash
All have made no difference.
Help? Sorry it's so long.