Skin Peeling on Hands: Causes and Remedies

You use your hands for everything, from greeting colleagues to ranking up on MMORPG leaderboards. No wonder they’re often the first to show signs of wear and tear, like flakes and calluses. Skin peeling on hands is a common condition and often not a reason to freak out. That doesn’t make it any less annoying. If you’re in this unfortunate situation, learn about its possible causes and remedies below.

Peeling and itching may mean your skin is pissed off. In the majority of cases, it’s due to contact dermatitis triggered by irritants or allergens. Substances found in household cleaners, skin or hair care products, and even in your clothing can compromise the skin barrier function. The longer you leave your skin exposed to these saboteurs, the more severe the symptoms can progress.

Step one in treating dry, peeling skin on hands is determining what triggers the reaction. Evaluate the products you regularly come into contact with and track any patterns between exposure. A dermatologist can perform a patch test to pinpoint the exact trigger. Step two is restoring your skin’s protective layer by moisturizing it daily. Your doctor might also give you medicines or ointments to alleviate the itching.

Dry weather is usually the first suspect behind cracked and flaky skin. But if you’re in the Philippines where it’s humid all year round, sweat is most likely the reason why you’re experiencing skin peeling on your hands.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care, too much moisture or perspiration can make the outer layer of your skin break down much faster – a condition called mild maceration. You’ll notice that your palms and fingers turn lighter in color and soggy to the touch, which ultimately results in the skin peeling off. Moreover, the excess moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive.

If you have clammy hands, especially in the summer, always keep a pack of tissues handy so you can wipe the sweat off throughout the day. Keep your hygiene in check by washing your hands with Lifebuoy Antibacterial Soap Total 10. The Activ Silver+ formula fights 99.9% of germs, helping to protect you from skin infections and irritation.

Spending time outdoors without SPF is a terrible idea because sunburn not only causes skin peeling on hands but also blisters and swelling. Unfortunately, your skin can’t heal overnight. One way to speed up the healing process is by keeping the affected area moisturized. Apply a lightweight lotion and aloe vera gel post-shower. When you just can’t deal with the pain, take an anti-inflammatory OTC drug like aspirin or ibuprofen and talk to your doctor if the pain persists. A word to the wise: be sure to use sunscreen next time.

Washing your hands often has many benefits. For one, it greatly reduces your risk of getting sick. However, it also has an unintended consequence: peeling skin on the palms.

Some antiseptic soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils and leave it dry. Luckily, you can limit the damage by switching to a gentle cleanser that does the job without removing moisture from your skin. Lifebuoy Antibacterial Bar Soap with Multivitamins+ Total 10 is a unique germ-fighting formula that effectively eliminates harmful germs, while caring for the skin with vitamins B3, C, and E.

If your hands have rashes that seem to come and go, you might have eczema. People with a family history of dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever are more likely to develop this skin condition. Additionally, stress and environmental factors such as the weather and dust mites can cause flare-ups.

Get in touch with a dermatologist when you notice skin peeling on hands or other parts of your body. It’s important to seek help from a professional right away because they can prescribe topical steroids to calm down the inflammation and prevent it from getting worse. Plus, they can give you the correct diagnosis as you may be showing symptoms of psoriasis – an autoimmune disorder.

Certain drugs or treatments can dry up your skin, which leads to skin peeling on hands. The most common examples include antibiotics like minocycline and doxycycline, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications. Accutane and Retin-A, well-known for treating acne, are also notorious for causing dryness. Talk to your healthcare provider if this side effect is bothering you. They may have alternative drugs available.

Understanding the causes of skin peeling on hands is a big leap toward finding relief. To prevent it from happening, stay clean and moisturize your skin. If your skin is peeling at an extreme rate, see a doctor ASAP.