Table of contents:
- Several causes of peeling skin on the fingers
- Environmental factor
- 1. Dry skin
- 2. Wash your hands too often
- 3. Using products with harsh chemicals
- 4. Sunburned skin
- 5. Finger sucking
- Certain medical conditions
- 1. Allergies
- 2. Deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) or vitamin A poisoning
- 3. Eczema on the hands
- 4. Psoriasis
- 5. Kawasaki disease
Most people have experienced peeling skin. Skin peeling can occur anywhere, including the tips of the fingers. Generally, peeling skin is not a cause for concern because it is caused by irritation from the environment. However, in some cases, peeling finger skin can be a symptom of certain health conditions. What are the causes and how to treat it? Check out here the review.
Several causes of peeling skin on the fingers
The peeling skin on the fingertips is generally caused by environmental factors and symptoms of certain health conditions.
Environmental factor
The most common environmental factor that causes skin to peel is weather. While you can't change the weather, you can limit yourself and take precautions so that your skin doesn't peel when it's exposed to the air in the outside environment.
The following environmental factors can affect the skin on your fingers to peel off.
1. Dry skin
Dry skin is often the cause of peeling skin on the fingertips. Dry skin usually occurs during cold weather. You may also be more prone to dry skin if you shower in warm water.
Sometimes, harsh ingredients in soap or other toiletries can also cause dry skin. Some of the symptoms that appear with dry skin are itching, cracked skin, redness, and numbness or numbness of the skin.
If this is the case, you can simply use soap with safe ingredients and use a hand moisturizer. You also need to avoid using warm water when bathing or washing your hands.
2. Wash your hands too often
Washing your hands with soap excessively can cause the skin to become dry and eventually the skin of the fingers peels at the edges.
Although washing your hands is very important to reduce the spread of bacteria, using soap too often can strip the skin's protective oils.
After this oil is gone, the skin can no longer retain moisture, causing dry skin. The soap will also absorb into the more sensitive layers of the skin causing irritation and flaking.
To fix this, you only need to wash your hands if necessary and use products that are safe for the skin. You only need to wash your hands if they are dirty, before and after eating, and after using the toilet. Also avoid drying your hands with a rough tissue or towel, as this can make irritation worse.
3. Using products with harsh chemicals
Certain chemicals added to moisturizers, soaps, shampoos and other beauty products can cause skin irritation that causes the skin on the fingertips to peel off. Common causes of irritation include antibacterial ointments, preservatives such as formaldehyde, and isothiazolinones cocamidopropyl betaine.
Your body may not react to all of these chemicals. Because of this, your doctor may need a sample test to determine how your body reacts to certain substances.
The best rule for avoiding harsh chemicals is to look for products marketed for sensitive skin. These products are usually free of fragrances and other irritants.
4. Sunburned skin
Exposure to the sun for a long time can cause sunburn, making the skin feel warm and more sensitive to the touch.
After being exposed to the sun, the skin will turn red and then start to peel off. Sunburn can be very irritating and can take several days or even a week to heal.
During healing, you can treat burns by applying cold compresses and moisturizers to the affected area. You may also be able to use over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve symptoms.
Additionally, apply sunscreen or sunscreen regularly is the only way to avoid sunburn.
5. Finger sucking
Finger sucking or thumb sucking most commonly can be the cause of dry and flaky skin in children. This may be a habit that is often done by babies or toddlers.
You need to pay attention to this habit, so that it can prevent your little one from experiencing peeling and cracked finger skin. If your little one has difficulty letting go of this habit, maybe you can discuss it with your pediatrician, to get the right solution.
Certain medical conditions
Sometimes, peeling fingertips is an early sign of certain medical conditions. Here are some medical conditions associated with peeling finger skin.
1. Allergies
The skin on your fingertips can peel if you are allergic to something that gets on the skin of your fingers. For example, you may catch nickel when you wear poor quality jewelry. This allergy will cause red and itchy skin. Then the skin will blister and eventually peel off.
Another possibility is an allergy to latex. Reactions to latex can vary widely and can lead to anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical care. Milder reactions can cause itching, peeling skin on the fingers, and swelling.
If your symptoms get worse or persist for more than a day or two, see your doctor right away.
2. Deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) or vitamin A poisoning
Too little or too many certain vitamins can cause your skin to peel off. Pellagra is a condition that results from a deficiency of vitamin B-3 (niacin) in food, which can lead to dermatitis, as well as diarrhea and even dementia.
Niacin supplements are the only way to bring your vitamin B-3 levels back up. Before taking this supplement talk with your doctor whether this supplement is safe to consume and ask how many doses are needed.
In addition, consuming too much vitamin A can cause skin irritation and cracks and peeling nails. Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a doctor, to get a proper diagnosis of your symptoms and the right treatment.
3. Eczema on the hands
Having inflamed skin or experiencing atopic dermatitis can also cause eczema on the hands. Hand eczema appears as irritated skin that may appear red, cracked or cracked, itchy, and is more sensitive to the touch.
Although exposure to certain chemicals or substances can cause hand eczema, genetics can also play a role in this condition. So, if this problem does not go away, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Overcoming eczema on hands can use mild soap, avoid warm or hot water, and frequently apply hand moisturizer. If you know what triggers your eczema, avoid it or wear gloves.
4. Psoriasis
Peeling finger skin can be a symptom of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that can appear as silvery plaques on the skin. There are many treatments available for psoriasis on the hands, such as tar, salicylic acid, corticosteroids, and calcipotriene.
5. Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that primarily affects children under 5 years of age. Occur over several weeks, and symptoms appear in three distinct stages.
The first stage is characterized by a high fever that lasts for five or more days. Peeling fingertips often characterize the middle stage of this condition. Redness and swelling of the palms and soles usually occurs in the late stages.