Peeling skin on an individual’s hands is often caused by regular exposure to elements in their environment. It could likewise suggest a hidden condition.
Peeling skin is unintended damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis). Peeling skin may take place due to the fact that of direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. It might likewise be a sign of a body immune system condition or other disease (according to Mayo Clinic).
Keep reading to learn the various causes of peeling skin on hands and their treatments.
Ecology Reasons for Peeling on Hand’s Skin
Frequently you can quickly recognize and resolve environmental causes for peeling skin on your hands. Following are numerous examples.
Sun
If your hands have been overexposed to the sun, after a few hours following that direct exposure, the skin on the back of your hands may look red and be painful or hot to the touch.
A couple of days later, the top layer of the harmed skin on the back of your hands may start peeling.
Treat sunburn with moisturizers and cold compresses.
Try an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) if you’re feeling any pain.
Avoid sunburn by applying (and reapplying) a brand name of sunscreen that you know does not aggravate your skin. It should have a sun protection element (SPF) of at least 30.
Climate
Heat, wind, and high or low humidity can impact the skin on your hands.
For example, the dry air in certain areas can trigger the exposed skin on your hands to dry, crack, and peel.
In dry environments or areas with winter, you can prevent dry skin and peel by:
- utilizing cool or lukewarm water (not hot) when bathing or cleaning your hands
- moisturizing after bathing
- using a humidifier when warming your home
Chemicals
Chemicals, such as to scents discovered in soaps, hair shampoos, and moisturizers, might aggravate the skin on your hands. This may result in skin peeling.
Your skin can likewise be irritated by anti-bacterial ingredients and preservatives in particular products.
Other common irritants are extreme chemicals you may be exposing your hands to in the work environment, such as adhesives, detergents, or solvents.
To stop the irritation, you should avoid contact with the irritant. The procedure of elimination can typically do this: Stop utilizing particular products or mixes of items until the irritation subsides and does not return.
Overwashing
Washing your hands is a good practice, but overwashing them can lead to irritated and peeling skin. Overwashing consists of:
- washing too frequently
- utilizing water that is too hot
- using severe soaps
- drying with rough paper towels
- forgetting to hydrate after washing
To prevent the inflammation of overwashing, avoid these practices — hydrate after cleaning with a fragrance-free moisturizing cream and even plain petroleum jelly.
Medical Conditions that Cause Skin Peels on Hands
Peeling skin on your hands might also be a sign of a hidden condition.
Allergy
Irritation that induces red, itchy bumps and peeling can result from direct contact in between the skin on your hand and an irritant (a substance that triggers an allergic reaction). This is called allergic contact dermatitis.
Allergens may be discovered in:
- laundry detergents
- shampoos
- soaps
- fabric softeners
Allergic contact dermatitis can also be triggered by:
- specific metals, such as nickel
- plants
- latex gloves
To stop the allergy, you should identify and after that prevent the allergen.
For instance. If you think an allergic nickel reaction may be causing your skin to peel, prevent fashion jewelry and products containing nickel.
Exfoliative keratolysis
Frequently affecting young, active adults, exfoliative keratolysis is a skin problem defined by peeling skin on the palms of the hands and sometimes the soles of the feet.
Typically, the treatment of exfoliative keratolysis includes:
- security from irritants such as detergents and solvents
- hand creams consisting of lactic acid or urea
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which skin cells multiply faster than usual. This leads to red plaques, typically with scaling and peeling.
If you believe you have psoriasis on your hands, see your medical professional or skin specialist. They might advise:
- topical steroids
- topical retinoids
- vitamin D analogs
When to see your doctor
If the skin peeling on your hands is the outcome of a controllable ecological component such as over direct exposure to the sun or overwashing your hands, you can most likely look after it at home by
- using OTC moisturizers
- making behavioral changes
- preventing irritants
If you aren’t sure of the reason for the skin peeling or if the condition is severe, make a consultation with your medical professional or skin specialist before attempting home remedies.
You need likewise to see your doctor if you have signs of infection, such as:
- fever
- inflammation
- getting worse pain
- pus
Home Treatment for Skin Peeling on Hands
- Soak your hands in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes and then pat them dry.
- Next, smear plain petroleum-based ointment all over your hands and put on cotton gloves. Glycerin-based ointments also help heal dry, cracked skin.
- Wear the gloves for at least 30 minutes.
Conclusion
If the skin on your hands is peeling, it might be the outcome of regular direct exposure to components in your environment, such as
- exceedingly low or high humidity
- chemicals in household or work environment products
It could likewise show a hidden condition, such as:
- allergies
- exfoliative keratolysis
- psoriasis
If the condition is severe or you aren’t able to determine the reason for the skin peeling, see your doctor or skin specialist.
