It’s understandable to be concerned when you notice the skin on your hands peeling. After all, our hands are constantly in use, exposed to a variety of elements from sunlight and harsh weather to chemicals and frequent washing. This exposure, coupled with certain health conditions and medications, can lead to dryness and peeling.
This article explores 12 common reasons why your hands might be shedding skin, offering insights into treatments and preventative measures to keep your hands healthy and smooth.
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Sunburn
One of the most frequent culprits behind peeling skin on hands is sunburn. Initially, sunburn presents as skin that is hot and red. Often, the discomfort and the burn itself might not become fully apparent until you’re out of the sun.
Within a few days, more severe sunburns will begin to peel. This is a natural process where your body sheds damaged skin cells to make way for new, healthy skin. In particularly severe cases, sunburns can even lead to sun blisters.
Treatment
While sunburns often heal on their own, you can alleviate discomfort and promote healing by applying a moisturizing agent like aloe vera gel. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also crucial. Protect the burned skin from further sun exposure by covering it while it heals.
It’s important to resist the urge to pop or squeeze any blisters that may form, as this can increase the risk of bacterial infection. Similarly, avoid peeling off the dead skin yourself, as this can damage underlying tissues and potentially lead to scarring.
Discover the evidence-backed benefits of aloe vera for skin health.
Climate and Temperature Changes
Environmental factors, especially changes in temperature and weather, can significantly impact your skin’s moisture levels, leading to dryness and peeling. Many people experience increased skin dryness, redness, and roughness during the fall and winter months.
Cold air retains less moisture than warm air, resulting in lower humidity and drier air during winter. Indoor heating systems exacerbate this issue by creating hot, dry indoor environments.
Research indicates that low humidity and cold temperatures compromise the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens.
Treatment
If you live in a climate prone to dry skin, consistent moisturizing, especially after washing your hands, is key to preventing dryness and peeling.
Applying petroleum jelly to your hands before bed can also be beneficial, creating a moisture barrier. To avoid mess, consider wearing socks or gloves overnight to lock in the moisture.
Using a humidifier at home can add much-needed moisture back into the air, helping to combat dry skin, particularly during winter.
Exposure to Chemicals
Certain chemicals can irritate the skin on your hands, causing dryness or even chemical burns, both of which can result in peeling skin.
Occupations with frequent chemical exposure include:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Cleaning and auto repair services
- Transportation and airline industries
- Construction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights skin problems and diseases as the most common work-related health issue reported by workers, excluding injuries.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the chemical involved. Sometimes, simply avoiding further contact with the irritant is sufficient. However, chemical burns require immediate medical attention. In case of a chemical burn, call emergency services (911 in the US).
While awaiting medical help, remove any clothing that has come into contact with the chemical. Rinse the affected area with clean water, but avoid rubbing or wiping, which can worsen the irritation.
Frequent Handwashing
Frequent handwashing is essential in many professions, such as:
- Housekeeping
- Healthcare
- Cleaning services
- Food service (chefs, bakers, caterers)
- Construction
- Fishing
- Hairdressing
- Farming
While crucial for hygiene, excessive handwashing or vigorous scrubbing can irritate the skin and lead to peeling. Many soaps contain fragrances, alcohol, preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harsh and drying.
What Causes Skin on the Fingertips to Peel?
Frequent handwashing is a common cause of dry, peeling fingertips. Exposure to harsh soap ingredients, cleaning agents, and various substances can contribute to fingertip skin peeling. Sunburn and certain infections can also cause peeling fingertips. If you’re experiencing peeling fingertips and are unsure of the cause, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable.
Learn more about hand rashes related to handwashing and their possible causes.
Treatment
Opt for hand soaps containing glycerin, a humectant that helps retain moisture, making them less drying. If workplace soap is provided, request glycerin-based options or consider bringing your own.
After each handwash, apply a rich, therapeutic hand cream or salve. Look for products with shea butter or cocoa butter to strengthen the skin barrier. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances, which can further irritate sensitive hands.
Discover the best hand lotions for dry, cracked skin, tested and reviewed for effectiveness.
Acral Peeling Skin Syndrome
Acral peeling skin syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by the peeling of the top skin layer, sometimes accompanied by blisters. It primarily affects the hands and feet but can also involve the arms and legs. Symptoms often appear at birth or in early childhood.
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for acral peeling skin syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing and preventing symptoms by avoiding triggers like heat, humidity, pressure, friction, and skin trauma.
Therapeutic moisturizers, particularly those containing lanolin and glycerin, can help manage dryness and peeling associated with this condition.
Dermatitis (Eczema)
Dermatitis refers to skin inflammation, arising from numerous causes and manifesting in various forms. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition often starting in childhood, though it can develop at any age. It causes inflamed, red, itchy rashes. Scratching can lead to swelling, cracking, fluid leakage, flakiness, crusting, and peeling. Hands are frequently affected by eczema.
Treatment
Eczema has no known cure, so treatment aims to relieve symptoms. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as fragrances in cleansers and moisturizers, is crucial.
For mild to moderate dermatitis, topical corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation. Severe cases unresponsive to topical treatments might require oral steroids like prednisone.
Light therapy (phototherapy) using ultraviolet (UV) light, which reduces inflammation by slowing skin cell production, can be beneficial for those with frequent eczema flares.
Explore effective treatment options for managing eczema and relieving symptoms.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition causing scaly, inflamed skin patches, often on the hands. It occurs in flares lasting weeks to months, followed by remissions. The exact cause is unknown, but it involves an overactive immune system causing rapid skin cell multiplication.
Treatment
Psoriasis has no cure; treatment focuses on symptom management. Topical corticosteroids may be recommended for mild to moderate cases to reduce inflammation.
For symptoms unresponsive to topical treatments, oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants like methotrexate may be prescribed. Light therapy is also an option for widespread psoriasis.
Learn about various treatment and management strategies for psoriasis.
COVID-19
COVID-19, caused by viral inflammation, can manifest in diverse skin symptoms, particularly in children and young adults. Skin reactions vary but can include red, inflamed, itchy, flaky patches, especially on hands and feet, sometimes with blisters.
Treatment
There’s no specific COVID-19 treatment, but symptom management is key while the body fights the virus. Topical corticosteroids may be recommended for itchy, inflamed skin, along with fragrance-free moisturizers.
Is skin rash becoming a more prevalent symptom of COVID-19? Find out the latest information.
Group A Streptococcal Infections
Infections caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, such as scarlet fever and impetigo, can lead to peeling skin on fingers and hands.
Scarlet fever typically begins with fever and strep throat, followed by a sandpaper-like rash starting on the neck and chest, spreading across the body. As the rash fades (lasting a week or more), skin peeling may occur.
Impetigo causes itchy, red sores that may break open and leak fluid, forming a yellow, crusty scab. Both are common childhood illnesses.
Treatment
Both scarlet fever and impetigo are bacterial infections requiring antibiotic treatment. Mild impetigo cases with few sores may be treated with topical antibiotics, while widespread impetigo and scarlet fever require oral antibiotics.
Prompt treatment of scarlet fever with oral antibiotics is crucial to prevent rheumatic fever, a serious complication that can cause heart valve damage, lifelong disability, and even death.
Understand the treatment approaches for scarlet fever and the importance of antibiotics.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins, often linked to tampon misuse. TSS affects multiple body systems, causing diverse symptoms, including a rash that leads to large sheets of skin peeling, particularly on the palms.
Learn how to identify a toxic shock syndrome rash and when to seek immediate medical help.
Treatment
TSS treatment typically involves antibiotics, often administered intravenously for rapid action to prevent organ damage. Severe cases may require purified antibodies from blood donors.
Get comprehensive information about toxic shock syndrome, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Kawasaki Disease (KD)
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute inflammatory illness causing rash, swelling, and peeling skin on hands and feet, primarily in children under 2. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s thought to be infection-related, also causing fever and swollen lymph nodes. KD symptoms often resolve on their own, but prompt treatment is vital due to the risk of long-term heart problems.
Treatment
KD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Diagnosis requires evaluation by a cardiologist to check for coronary artery changes.
Main treatments include low-dose aspirin and intravenous antibodies from healthy donors, administered during hospital admission.
While high-dose aspirin is linked to Reye’s syndrome in children, low-dose aspirin for KD does not carry this risk. However, aspirin should only be given to children or teenagers under medical guidance.
Understand why children should not take aspirin without consulting a healthcare professional.
Medications
Certain medications can cause skin peeling on hands as a side effect, due to their drying properties. Cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy are examples.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis, a severe reaction to medications (mainly antibiotics or anticonvulsants), can cause widespread skin peeling, including on the hands, leaving raw, oozing patches. This life-threatening condition requires immediate hospitalization.
Symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis include fever, painful red skin, and rapid progression, becoming life-threatening within three days. Immediate medical assessment is crucial if these symptoms occur.
Treatment
Toxic epidermal necrolysis requires hospitalization. Treatment includes intravenous fluids and electrolytes, antibiotics, and antibodies. While most people recover, severe peeling may necessitate skin grafts.
For hand peeling caused by chemotherapy, therapeutic hand creams are essential for managing dryness. Look for moisturizers specifically formulated for chemotherapy patients, avoiding alcohol-based topical products.
Learn how to effectively prevent and manage dry skin as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Skin peeling on your hands due to an underlying condition requires appropriate treatment. Consulting a healthcare provider for diagnosis is essential to receive the correct care.
How to Prevent Skin Peeling on Hands
While not all causes of hand peeling are preventable, especially those related to underlying medical conditions, you can take steps to manage and prevent peeling caused by dryness:
- Avoid hot water: Use lukewarm water for showers and handwashing.
- Wear gloves: Protect hands when washing dishes or handling cleaning products and chemicals.
- Keep hands warm: Wear gloves in cold weather.
- Moisturize regularly: Apply hand cream after each handwash and throughout the day.
- Use petroleum jelly: Apply before bedtime for intensive moisture.
- Avoid irritating soaps: Choose soaps without alcohols, sulfates, and fragrances.
- Use a humidifier: Maintain indoor humidity during winter.
- Wear sunscreen: Protect hands from sun exposure daily.
- See a healthcare provider: If the cause of peeling is unclear or persistent.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you experience peeling skin on your hands and are unsure of the cause, you can initially try home treatments with moisturizers and by avoiding potential irritants.
However, if skin peeling is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. They can advise on whether an appointment is needed or if emergency care is necessary.
Seek medical attention if you experience peeling skin along with:
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Persistent or severe pain
- Signs of infection (pus, increased redness, warmth)
- Rash
A Word From Verywell
Peeling skin on hands can stem from various factors. Mild cases may respond to over-the-counter remedies like moisturizers, aloe vera, anti-itch creams, or topical steroids. However, if peeling persists, worsens, or becomes painful, consulting a dermatologist is recommended to rule out underlying systemic diseases or more serious skin conditions.
— William Truswell, MD, Medical Expert Board
Learn more about Dr. William Truswell and his expertise on the Verywell Health Medical Expert Board.
Summary
Skin peeling on hands can be triggered by environmental factors like weather or frequent handwashing, or it can indicate underlying health issues like eczema, psoriasis, or infections.
If you notice skin peeling accompanied by concerning symptoms such as persistent pain or fever, seek medical advice. While some cases can be managed at home, professional evaluation may be needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Explore more information about skin peeling, when it’s a normal healing process, and when it’s a cause for concern.
