Frequent hand-washing can dry out the skin on your fingers and cause it to peel. Be sure to wash your hands with mild soap and lukewarm water, then follow up with a thick hand cream or ointment.
If you suspect your finger peeling is caused by an allergy, try using antihistamines to treat the allergy. Also, slather on some aloe vera gel to soothe the burning and inflammation of an allergic reaction.
1. Allergens
Our fingertips are exposed to a variety of irritants that can cause skin allergies or irritation, which may lead to peeling. Chemicals in household cleaners, hand soaps and sanitizers, detergents, and even perfumes can irritate the skin on the hands and fingernails. These irritants can also trigger a condition called contact dermatitis, which is often accompanied by itching, redness, swelling and blistering.
If your fingers are peeling, you should talk to your doctor. They will ask about your medical history and other symptoms to diagnose the underlying problem. For example, they might test for psoriasis, eczema or athlete’s foot with a simple skin patch test.
Another condition that can lead to peeling of the fingers is a rare disease called Kawasaki disease. This condition mainly affects children under 5 years of age, and it causes a high fever that lasts more than five days. Among other signs and symptoms, the affected person’s fingertips peel due to damage caused by an inflammation of blood vessels in the hand.
Using hand cream and avoiding harsh soaps can help prevent peeling of the fingers. A thick moisturizer will seal in moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. You can also use a hydrating lotion or ointment that contains ingredients such as jojoba oil, dimethicone and glycerin. In addition, you should avoid excessive washing of the hands and try to pat dry instead of wiping with a towel. Drinking at least 2 liters of water daily can also improve dry skin, according to a 2015 study. You should also protect your skin from the sun by wearing gloves and sunscreen when outside. Finally, avoid smoking as this can aggravate dryness of the skin and lead to fingertip peeling.
2. Dry Skin
When the skin on your hands gets dry, it can cause peeling skin on fingertips. This can be caused by weather changes, frequent hand washing, or certain health conditions like psoriasis. Many cases of this can be resolved by using a good moisturizer, limiting exposure to irritants and extreme temperatures, and treating any underlying health problems.
Dry skin can also be caused by a lack of vitamin B12. This is known as pellagra and can lead to itching, red patches on the skin, and even numbness in the fingertips. The best way to treat this is with a multivitamin, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and using a lotion that contains vitamin E or other emollients.
If you suffer from chronic dry skin, try using a humidifier at home and wearing gloves while outside to keep your hands moisturized. Using a natural humectant such as honey is another great way to hydrate your hands.
Another common cause of dry skin on the fingers is a lingering sunburn. After a severe burn, your body is trying to repair the top layer of your skin and this can result in itching and peeling. This is often accompanied by pain and can be treated with a steroid cream or at-home remedies such as aloe vera gel or coconut oil.
Some cases of dry skin on the fingertips may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as psoriasis or Kawasaki disease. If your symptoms are severe, a doctor may be able to diagnose the cause with a skin biopsy. He or she can also recommend avoiding any products with harsh chemicals and doing a patch test to determine if you are allergic to anything.
3. Niacin Deficiency
Niacin is vitamin B3 that promotes healthy skin by improving its moisture content and barrier function (5). A deficiency of this vitamin may lead to pellagra, a condition that can cause the skin on your fingers and hands to peel. You can prevent a niacin deficiency by consuming a variety of foods rich in vitamin B3, including liver, eggs, red meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, and legumes (6). You can also take niacin supplements, but before you do, speak with your doctor to determine if they are safe for you (7).
Pellagra is a condition that is caused by a deficiency of niacin and tryptophan in the diet. This condition can cause a localized pigmented rash (dermatitis), diarrhea, and dementia (8). A more severe form of this condition is called kwashiorkor, which is characterized by a flaky paint-like skin with areas of redness and pigmentation (9) and is mainly found in developing countries.
The best way to treat skin peeling on the fingers is to keep them moisturized with olive oil. This will create a protective layer over your skin and prevent it from drying out or becoming infected. In addition, you should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dehydrating beverages like caffeine and alcohol. Finally, it is important to note any other symptoms that you are experiencing and see a doctor if needed. This will ensure that the root of the problem is addressed and prevent it from reoccurring. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, then it is best to seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your skin peeling on the fingers and provide you with the necessary treatment options.
4. Cold Weather
As the seasons change, the skin on your hands can dry out due to environmental factors and underlying medical conditions. This is especially true in the winter, when the humidity plummets and you use the heater more often at home. Frequent hand washing can also cause drying of the fingertips, since soaps and cleaners can strip them of their natural oils. Some people may develop a condition called hand eczema, or dermatitis, which can result in red, itchy, painful fingers and cuticles that peel. If your skin is dry, a doctor may recommend ointments or antihistamines to treat the condition.
The itchiness of a fungal infection is another common cause for itchy and peeling fingertips. A fungus that affects the skin of your fingernails is known as tinea capitis and can cause you to scratch your fingertips until they are raw and peeling. This is a serious issue that requires treatment with antifungal medications, which can be obtained from your doctor.
If your fingertips are constantly itchy and peeling, moisturizing them regularly with a good quality lotion will help to hydrate the skin. Some people find relief by applying petroleum jelly to their fingertips before bedtime, which helps to seal in moisture and reduce the itching and dryness. Adding a humidifier to your home may also introduce more moisture into the air, which is helpful for preventing dryness of the skin. Honey is also a natural humectant, and it can draw moisture from the environment into your skin, which will help soothe and hydrate the fingertips. In some cases, time is the best remedy and the symptoms will improve on their own. However, if your fingertips don’t show signs of improving within a week or become worse, it is important to see your doctor.
5. Heat
Many times, our fingers peel due to a simple environmental factor that can easily be remedied with a little sleuthing (and plenty of hydrating moisturizer). Dry and cold weather, irritants like chemicals, or even excessive sun exposure can lead to dryness and cracking, which, in turn, causes fingertip skin to peel.
Often, these factors are temporary and will resolve themselves with time, but it is important to see a doctor for more serious cases. For instance, if the symptoms persist or get worse, you may be suffering from an underlying condition like psoriasis that needs to be treated to prevent further damage to your fingertips and other areas of the body.
Another example of a medical condition that can cause peeling of the fingers is Kawasaki disease, which primarily affects children under the age of five and leads to inflammation of blood vessels in the hands and heart, resulting in peeling skin, redness, and swelling. This is a rare condition and should be diagnosed by a doctor immediately as it requires hospitalization to ensure proper treatment.
In general, the best thing to do is try to avoid irritants that can cause skin irritation, such as harsh soaps or perfumes and use a hydrating moisturizing cream on your hands throughout the day. Also, be sure to use a humidifier during the winter, and when washing your hands, opt for a gentle soap that doesn’t contain alcohol or sulfates. Lastly, don’t stop washing your hands even if they are peeling, as this could cause other problems. It is a good idea to wash with a mild hand sanitizer in case you cannot find any visible dirt on your fingertips.
