Out of the blue have you noticed sudden scraping in the skin of your hands that tends to become worse gradually? A mild or sometimes chronic skin condition, the skin on the fingertips and hands may peel due to several reasons. Sometimes it could be due to environmental issues, a minor or grave infection, or even as simple as frequent hand washing or in the worst case, some underlying health condition. While cleaning your hands is important, doing it too often or scrubbing your skin harshly can lead to skin peeling on your hands. On rare occasions, it can be psoriasis or eczema as well. The article deals with various issues that can cause this problem and the treatment of the same.
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Symptoms of Skin Peeling
Depending on the cause, the skin may start to peel off and show the following symptoms:
- Burning skin
- Itchiness
- Rash
- Dryness
- Swelling
- Fever
- Infection
- Redness
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Causes
Some several causes and factors cause the skin on your hands to peel, some of the main ones are:
Environmental exposure: Environmental exposure such as a drastic change in temperatures can cause the skin on your hands to become dry and peel. Extreme cold, heat, dryness, and humidity levels can also make the skin come out. Though it is often easy to fix and may subside, the skin on the hands tends to become dry, which can lead to peeling.
Sunburn: A sunburn can cause the skin to get burnt and it can begin to peel if the burn is severe.
Chemicals: Certain chemicals are one of the reasons causing your hands and fingertips. They can lead to a chemical burn and in most cases, this can lead to skin peeling.
Also Read: Allergies: Understand About Types, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
Underlying Health Conditions
Skin peeling on the hands is associated with several underlying medical conditions. Some major ones that lead to skin peeling are:
Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome: It is a genetic disorder that can cause painless skin peeling on both the hands and even on the feet.
Dermatitis: Dermatitis is an umbrella term used to describe various skin irritations that happen on the dermis. Dermatitis can be due to an allergic reaction or a skin health problem such as eczema
Psoriasis: Palmoplantar psoriasis can lead to scaly plaques on the skin of the hands and peeling.7
Exfoliative keratolysis: Exfoliative keratolysis is a skin condition that causes extreme peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands. Mostly temporary, it may get aggravated in some cases.
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Treatment To Fight Skin Peeling Problems
In case the peeling does not while adays, you, you must seek medical intervention and get certain tests done as advised by a doctor. In minor scenarios to seek relief you can do the following
- Whenever you take a bath apply a generous amount of moisturizer
- Avoid soaps that contain fragrances or alcohol if you have sudden skin peeling issues
- You must apply hand cream after every hand wash in case of excessive dry skin
- Always apply petroleum jelly on the hands before bedtime, especially in the winter season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for skin peeling on hands?
Skin peeling on the hands can be caused by various factors, including dryness, sunburn, allergic reactions, or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Proper hydration, moisturising, and protecting the skin from harsh environmental factors can help prevent and alleviate peeling.
What deficiency causes skin peeling on hands?
A deficiency in vitamins or minerals like vitamin C, vitamin E, or iron can contribute to skin peeling on the hands. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients and consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
How can I fix my peeling hands?
To address peeling hands, moisturize regularly with a thick, fragrance-free cream and avoid harsh soaps or hot water. Additionally, consider wearing gloves while performing tasks that may further irritate the skin and consult a dermatologist if the condition persists or worsens.
When should I be worried about peeling skin?
If peeling skin is accompanied by severe pain, redness, swelling, or signs of infection such as pus or fever, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if the peeling persists despite home remedies or occurs frequently, consulting a dermatologist is advisable to rule out underlying skin conditions.
Is hand peeling normal?
Hand peeling can be normal in certain situations such as after sunburn or exposure to harsh chemicals, but persistent or excessive peeling may indicate an underlying issue that warrants further evaluation by a healthcare professional or dermatologist. If the peeling is accompanied by other symptoms or concerns, seeking medical advice is advisable.
