Hands are your constant companions, tirelessly interacting with the world around you. They brave exposure to sunlight, harsh chemicals, soaps, and a myriad of environmental conditions daily. Considering their constant activity, it’s understandable why hands can sometimes become dry and experience skin peeling. Furthermore, certain medications and underlying health conditions can also contribute to peeling skin on hands.
This article explores 12 common reasons behind skin peeling on hands, detailing the potential underlying causes and their respective treatments. We’ll also provide valuable insights into preventing this condition and maintaining healthy, smooth hands.
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Sunburn: A Frequent Cause of Peeling Skin on Hands
Sunburn stands out as a prevalent cause of skin peeling on the hands. Initially, sunburn presents as skin that is hot and red. Often, you may not realize your skin is burning while you are enjoying the sun’s rays. The effects of sunburn often become apparent later, once you seek shade indoors.
More significant sunburns typically lead to skin peeling within a few days. This peeling is your body’s natural process of shedding damaged skin cells to make way for new, healthy skin. Severe sunburns can even result in painful sun blisters.
Treatment for Sunburn on Hands
Mild sunburns often heal without specific treatment, but you can alleviate discomfort and support healing by applying a moisturizing agent like aloe vera gel to the affected areas. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial. Protect the burned skin from further sun exposure by covering it while it heals.
If blisters develop, it’s vital to resist the urge to pop or squeeze them. Doing so increases the risk of bacterial infection. Similarly, avoid peeling off the dead skin yourself, as this can damage deeper skin layers and potentially lead to scarring.
9 Evidence-Based Aloe Vera Benefits, According to a Registered Dietitian
Climate and Temperature: How Weather Impacts Hand Skin
Fluctuating temperatures and changing weather patterns are significant environmental factors that can trigger dry, peeling skin on your hands. Many individuals notice their skin becoming particularly dry, red, and rough during the fall and winter months.
Cold air naturally holds less moisture than warm air. This leads to a decrease in humidity levels, resulting in drier air, especially during winter. Compounding this issue, many people respond to cold weather by increasing indoor heating, creating an environment of dry, hot indoor air.
Research indicates that low humidity and cold temperatures weaken the skin’s protective barrier. This weakened barrier makes the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens, contributing to skin peeling on hands.
Treatment for Climate-Related Dryness and Peeling
If you reside in a climate that promotes dry skin, consistent moisturizing, especially after every hand wash, is essential to prevent dryness and subsequent skin peeling.
Applying petroleum jelly to your hands before bedtime can also be highly beneficial. Petroleum jelly effectively locks in moisture. Due to its texture, wearing cotton socks or gloves on your hands overnight can help contain the jelly and prevent mess while maximizing moisture absorption.
If you use central heating, consider using a humidifier in your home. Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, effectively counteracting dryness and helping to prevent dry skin and hand peeling.
Chemicals: Irritants Causing Skin Reaction on Hands
Exposure to certain chemicals can irritate the delicate skin on your hands. These chemicals can lead to dryness or even cause a chemical burn. In some instances, this irritation can manifest as skin peeling.
Certain occupations involve regular skin contact with chemicals, increasing the risk of chemical-related skin peeling. These professions include:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Service industries like cleaning and auto repair
- Transportation and airline roles
- Construction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that skin problems and diseases are the most frequently reported non-injury health concerns among workers in various industries.
Treatment for Chemical Irritation and Peeling
Treatment for chemical exposure varies depending on the specific chemical and the severity of the reaction. In some cases, simply avoiding further contact with the irritant is sufficient for the skin to recover. However, more severe reactions, such as chemical burns, require immediate medical attention. If you suspect a chemical burn, call emergency services (911 in the US).
While waiting for medical help, promptly remove any clothing that has come into contact with the chemical. Rinse the affected area with clean, cool water, being careful not to rub or wipe the skin, as this could worsen the irritation.
Frequent Handwashing: A Modern Cause of Hand Skin Peeling
Frequent handwashing is a necessary practice in many professions, especially in today’s hygiene-conscious world. Jobs requiring frequent handwashing include:
- Housekeepers
- Healthcare professionals
- Cleaners
- Chefs, bakers, and caterers
- Construction workers
- Fishermen
- Hairdressers
- Farmers
While handwashing is crucial for hygiene, excessive handwashing or scrubbing too vigorously can irritate the skin, leading to dryness and skin peeling on your hands. Furthermore, many commercially available soaps contain fragrances, preservatives, alcohol, and other ingredients that can be highly irritating to sensitive skin.
What Causes Skin on the Fingertips to Peel?
Frequent handwashing is a significant contributor to dry, peeling fingertips. Exposure to harsh chemicals in soaps, cleaning agents, and other substances can also lead to fingertip skin peeling. Sunburn and certain infections can also cause fingertip peeling. If you experience peeling fingertips and are unsure of the cause, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
Hand Rashes Due to Handwashing: 5 Possible Causes
Treatment for Handwashing-Related Peeling
Choosing the right hand soap can make a difference. Hand soaps containing glycerin, a humectant, are less likely to dry out the skin and can even help retain moisture. If you work in an environment where hand soap is provided, inquire about glycerin-based options or consider bringing your own gentle soap.
After each handwash, consistently apply a thick, therapeutic hand salve or cream. Look for products enriched with shea butter or cocoa butter, as these ingredients help fortify the skin barrier. It’s also advisable to avoid moisturizers that contain fragrances, as these can further irritate already sensitive hands.
9 Best Hand Lotions for Dry, Cracked Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome: A Rare Genetic Condition
Acral peeling skin syndrome is a rare genetic skin disorder characterized by the peeling of the top layer of skin, sometimes accompanied by blistering. Skin peeling predominantly affects the hands and feet but can also extend to the arms and legs. Symptoms typically manifest from birth, although some individuals may develop symptoms in early childhood.
Treatment for Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome
Currently, there is no cure for acral peeling skin syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Key management strategies include avoiding heat, humidity, pressure, friction, and any form of trauma to the skin.
Many individuals with acral peeling skin syndrome find relief by regularly applying therapeutic skin moisturizers, particularly those containing ingredients like lanolin and glycerin, which help to hydrate and protect the skin.
Dermatitis: Inflammation Leading to Peeling Hands
Dermatitis, meaning skin inflammation, is a broad term encompassing various skin conditions. It can arise from numerous causes, and there are several types of dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a prevalent type that can cause skin peeling on hands.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition often beginning in childhood, although it can develop at any age. It manifests as rashes of inflamed, red, and irritated skin. The skin often becomes intensely itchy. Scratching can lead to swelling, cracking, or oozing of clear fluid. The skin can also become flaky, crusty, and peel. Hands are a frequently affected area for eczema.
Treatment for Dermatitis-Related Hand Peeling
There is no known cure for atopic dermatitis, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial for managing atopic dermatitis. Common triggers include fragrances found in cleansers and moisturizers.
For mild to moderate dermatitis, a healthcare provider may recommend topical ointments, such as corticosteroids, to relieve itching and inflammation. For more severe cases that do not respond to topical treatments, oral steroids like prednisone may be prescribed.
Light therapy (phototherapy), involving exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, can be beneficial for individuals experiencing frequent flares. UV light helps reduce inflammation by slowing down the production of skin cells.
How Eczema Is Treated
Psoriasis: An Autoimmune Condition Affecting Hand Skin
Psoriasis is another chronic skin condition that causes patches of scaly and inflamed skin. These patches commonly appear on the hands. Psoriasis follows a pattern of flares, lasting weeks or months, followed by periods of remission. The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it’s known to be related to an overactive immune system, causing skin cells to regenerate too rapidly.
Treatment for Psoriasis-Related Hand Peeling
Psoriasis has no cure, so treatment aims to manage symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of flares. For mild to moderate psoriasis affecting the hands, a healthcare provider may recommend topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, to reduce skin inflammation.
If topical treatments are insufficient, oral corticosteroids or other oral medications that suppress the immune system, like methotrexate, may be prescribed. Light therapy may also be recommended when larger areas of skin are affected by psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment and Management
COVID-19: Viral Infections and Skin Manifestations
COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, is known to cause a wide array of symptoms, including skin reactions, due to the underlying inflammation it triggers in the body. Skin manifestations related to COVID-19 are more common in children and young adults. Symptoms can vary widely, but patches of red, inflamed, itchy, and flaky skin have been reported, particularly on the hands and feet. Blisters may also occur.
Treatment for COVID-19 Related Skin Peeling
There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 itself, but symptom management is crucial while the body fights off the virus. For itchy, inflamed skin, a healthcare provider may recommend or prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching. Fragrance-free moisturizers can also provide soothing relief and help manage dry, peeling skin.
Is Rash Becoming a More Common Symptom of COVID?
Group A Streptococcal Infection: Bacterial Infections and Skin Peeling
Infections caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, such as scarlet fever and impetigo, can also lead to skin peeling on the fingers and hands.
Scarlet fever typically begins with symptoms like fever and strep throat. This is followed by a rash that starts on the neck and chest and then spreads across the body. The rash, which can last for a week or longer, is often described as feeling like sandpaper. As the rash fades, skin peeling may occur in some areas.
Impetigo results in red, itchy sores that may rupture and leak clear fluid. A crusty, yellow scab then forms over the sore. Both scarlet fever and impetigo are more common in children.
Treatment for Streptococcal Infections
Scarlet fever and impetigo are bacterial infections requiring treatment with antibiotics. Mild cases of impetigo with only a few sores may be treated with topical antibiotics. However, more widespread impetigo and scarlet fever require a full course of oral antibiotics.
Prompt treatment of scarlet fever with oral antibiotics is essential to prevent rheumatic fever, a serious complication that can cause inflammation and scarring of the heart valves, leading to lifelong disability and even death.
How Scarlet Fever Is Treated
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): A Rare but Serious Bacterial Condition
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria releasing toxins into the body. It is most commonly associated with improper tampon use in menstruating women. TSS affects multiple organ systems and presents with diverse symptoms. One symptom of TSS is a skin rash that can cause large sheets of skin to peel, particularly on the palms of the hands.
How to Tell If Your Rash Is Toxic Shock Syndrome
Treatment for Toxic Shock Syndrome
TSS infections are typically treated with antibiotics, often administered intravenously (IV) for rapid action to prevent organ damage. In severe cases, purified antibodies from blood donors may be given to help neutralize the toxins.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Kawasaki Disease (KD): An Inflammatory Illness Affecting Children
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute inflammatory disease primarily affecting young children, particularly those under 2 years old. KD can cause a rash accompanied by swelling and peeling of the skin on the hands and feet. The exact cause of Kawasaki disease remains unknown, but it is thought to be linked to infection, as it also causes fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms of Kawasaki disease often resolve on their own. However, prompt treatment is crucial due to the risk of serious long-term heart complications.
Treatment for Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Therefore, children diagnosed with KD require evaluation by a cardiologist to check for any signs of coronary artery abnormalities.
The primary treatments for Kawasaki disease are low-dose aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which are antibodies donated by healthy individuals. IVIG is administered intravenously during a hospital stay.
While high-dose aspirin is associated with an increased risk of Reye’s syndrome in children and teenagers, the low-dose aspirin used in KD treatment does not carry this risk. However, it is crucial to never give aspirin to a child or teenager unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Take Aspirin
Medications: Side Effects Leading to Skin Peeling
Certain medications can cause skin peeling on the hands as a side effect due to their skin-drying properties. For example, some cancer treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can lead to peeling skin.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a severe, life-threatening condition triggered by a reaction to certain medications, primarily antibiotics or anticonvulsants. TEN causes widespread skin peeling, including on the hands, leaving raw, oozing patches of skin. Toxic epidermal necrolysis requires immediate hospitalization.
Along with skin peeling, other symptoms of TEN include fever and painful red skin. The condition progresses rapidly and can become life-threatening within days. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Treatment for Medication-Induced Skin Peeling
Toxic epidermal necrolysis necessitates hospitalization. Treatment typically involves intravenous fluids and electrolytes, as well as antibiotics and antibodies. Most individuals recover from TEN, with the skin healing naturally over time. However, in cases of extensive peeling, skin grafts may be necessary.
If hand peeling is a side effect of chemotherapy, using a therapeutic hand cream is essential to manage dryness. Moisturizers specifically formulated for individuals undergoing chemotherapy are available online and in some pharmacies. Avoid topical products containing alcohol, as they can further dry and irritate the skin.
How to Prevent and Manage Dry Skin From Chemo
Skin peeling on your hands originating from an underlying medical condition requires targeted treatment. Consulting a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis is crucial for receiving the appropriate treatment plan.
How Is Skin Peeling on Hands Prevented?
While preventing every cause of skin peeling on hands may not be possible, especially when it’s related to an underlying medical condition, you can take proactive steps to manage dryness-related peeling.
Here are key preventative measures:
- Avoid hot water: Use lukewarm water when showering and washing your hands, as hot water can strip away natural skin oils.
- Wear gloves: Protect your hands by wearing gloves when washing dishes or handling cleaning products and other chemicals.
- Keep hands warm: In cold weather, wear gloves to protect your hands from the drying effects of cold air.
- Moisturize regularly: Apply a hand cream or lotion frequently throughout the day, especially after handwashing, to replenish moisture.
- Use petroleum jelly: Apply petroleum jelly to your hands before bedtime to deeply moisturize and lock in hydration overnight.
- Avoid irritating soaps: Choose gentle, fragrance-free soaps and avoid those containing alcohols, sulfates, and harsh fragrances.
- Use a humidifier: During winter months, use a humidifier in your home to add moisture to the air and combat dryness.
- Wear sunscreen: Protect your hands from sun damage by applying sunscreen every time you go outdoors, even on cloudy days.
- See a healthcare provider: If you cannot identify the cause of your peeling skin, or if home remedies are not effective, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and guidance.
When to See a Healthcare Provider for Peeling Hands
If you notice skin peeling on your hands and are unsure of the cause, you can initially try home care measures like moisturizing and avoiding potential irritants.
However, if skin peeling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms and determine if an appointment is needed or if you require immediate medical attention.
Seek medical advice if you experience skin peeling along with any of these signs:
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pain that is persistent, worsening, or severe
- Any signs of infection, such as pus, increased redness, or warmth
- Rash spreading or changing in appearance
A Word From Verywell
Peeling skin on hands can arise in various situations, ranging from mild dryness to underlying health conditions. For mild peeling, over-the-counter remedies like moisturizers, aloe vera gel, anti-itch creams, and topical steroids can often provide relief. However, if peeling persists, worsens, or becomes painful, consulting a dermatologist is recommended. The issue may extend beyond simple irritants and could be linked to systemic diseases requiring medical evaluation.
— WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary: Understanding and Addressing Peeling Skin on Hands
Skin peeling on your hands can be triggered by common factors like weather changes or frequent handwashing. It can also be a symptom of underlying health conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or infections.
If you experience skin peeling along with other symptoms like persistent pain or fever, it’s crucial to seek guidance from your healthcare provider. While home remedies may be helpful for mild cases, professional evaluation is important to determine the root cause and receive appropriate treatment for your peeling skin on hands.
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