Skin Peeling on Fingers, and Hands, Near Nails, Tips, Get Rid, Treatment

Skin peeling on fingers is something common and there is no need to raise concern. It could be as a result of environmental factors or other controllable factors. Discover some of the causes and measures to curb peeling skin on hands or fingers and treatments.

Skin Peeling on Fingers Causes

Skin peeling on the fingers or hands can cause a lot of discomfort during the daily activities. The condition is marked by red rashes, flaking skin, and blisters on the hands. This condition creates a state of embarrassment in a social place.

There are instances when the skin of the hands begins to peel, you are likely to experience pain and it creates a room for infections. There are many factors that are known to cause peeling of skin on the fingers and hands.

The presence of blisters as a result of burn, dry skin, cold weather are the likely factors that can leave back of your hands and palms feeling raw and in the process result in skin peeling.

Discover more the reason behind peeling of skin on hands and fingers. You will also find out some of the remedies that can be used to help soothe the skin and prevent it from peeling.

Why are the tips of my fingers peeling?

Here are the potential causes of skin peeling on the fingers. They include:

1. Sunburn

This is the main reason behind peeling skin on the hands or fingers. According to Dr.Melissa Conrad Stöppler on MedicineNet, sunburn is the right example of the environmental factors that causes skin to peel from the fingers.

This happens in cases where the hands and fingers are exposed directly to the harmful sun rays which cause the damage on the skin. The rays make the affected part of the hands to be red and even warm when touched.

Peeling of the skin will commence after some days and it is usually painless since it involves the shed of the outer layer of the skin.

Depending on the intensity of exposure to UV rays, it will take several days or weeks to heal completely. Use natural treatment in order to repair the skin from the sun damage.

Treatment

Application of pure aloe vera gel on the damage skin helps in healing process. According to report survey from the journal Phytomedicine, it shows that aloe vera have the ability to repair the skin from burn, decrease skin inflammation and also speed up the healing process.

Apply the aloe vera gel on the fingers affected throughout the day. It is recommended to continue applying the aloe vera gel on the fingers and hands throughout until all the peeling skin disappear.

2. Cold weather or other environmental factors

Skin peeling on the fingers and hands can also be caused by extreme cold and dry weather. Skin can peel and flake when it is exposed to cold weather, warm dry indoor air and washing hands frequently with warm water and harsh soaps.

According to Dr. Brunilda Nazario on WebMD, skin can become itchy and flaky during winter due to the presence of patchy skin. Dry skin may tend to crack and peel depending on the sensitivity of the skin .

Keratolytic Winter Erythema is a rare skin condition that can result in peeling of the skin from the palm’s and get worse during cold, dry climatic periods, this is according to the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

Treatment

The use of oatmeal can help to get rid of any symptoms associated with dry skin such as flaky and peeling skin. Application of oatmeal on the skin help to lock moisture in the skin, soothes skin itches, reduce inflammation, and irritation.

Therefore, according to the study published in 2007, oatmeal is used to help repair the skin from peeling on the hands and fingers during the cold weather.

You should put some handful of round oats in a bowl of warm water. Soak your hands in the paste for about 20 minutes. Apply the paste on the dry skin patches on the hands and fingers.

Oatmeal can also be used for skin exfoliation in order to remove the dead skin from the hands. It is therefore recommended to use oatmeal in order to keep the skin on the hands and fingers moisturized and free from peeling skin.

3. Burns

According to research, any type of skin burn can result in damage of the outer layer of the skin and in the process it causes flaking and peeling. There are certain burns on the skin that can result in sore patches which are red and tender to touch due to formation of fluid filled blisters and a possible skin infection.

During the healing process of the burn, you will notice the skin beginning to peel. It is recommended to avoid the type of skin peeling that does not go away easily. Try some of the many natural remedies to help get rid of skin peeling rather than removing the dead skin.

Treatment

The most effective remedy that helps to get rid of skin peeling from the palms, hands and fingers is honey. The presence of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties helps in the healing and repairing of the burn on the skin.

Apply a little raw honey on the affected part of your hands and fingers in order to reduce skin peeling and reddening. For effective treatment get a combination of honey, aloe vera, and plain yogurt to make a honey treatment for repairing skin damaged by burns.

4. Allergic reactions

There is certain type of skin that is more sensitive to some components that is allergens or contact dermatitis. When they come into close contact, they would result in skin peeling and itching.

According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, itching, skin peeling and formation of rashes are usually associated with allergies.

There is some instance where allergies are known to trigger development of hives on the skin. It is recommended to identify the cause of the reaction and try to avoid them.

5. Bad manicure
   

   skin peeling on fingers near nails

There are instance you will notice skin peeling around your fingers and cuticles. There are many reasons that can cause the skin to peel around the tips of the fingers.

According to Dr. Laura J. Martin on WebMD, when the cuticles become dry, they begin to peel and flake. There are instance when you manicurist cut the cuticle or pushed it back too vigorously can result in reddening and peeling skin.

According to Dr. Martin, the use of a good moisturizer to keep your hands and the skin around your fingernails hydrated to prevent peeling. You should also make sure that your manicurist doesn’t cut off the cuticle around your nails.

6. Kawasaki disease

This is a less common skin condition that mainly affects children. It is characterized by swollen glands, a rash, red fingers and toes, and cracked lips.

According to doctors at the National Health Service, you are likely to notice peeling skin on the fingers, palms of the hands, toes, and soles. This is a serious health condition that requires examination by a professional.

7. Exfoliative keratolysis

This is a skin condition that result in the peeling of the skin on the palms of your hands and ends of your fingers. The exact cause of this skin condition is still unknown since it is different from hand eczema, psoriasis, and fungal infections.

According to dermatologist Dr. Amanda Oakley, this skin condition begins with formation of blisters on the palms. When these blisters burst, the dead skin starts to peel and the skin may become red, dry and cracked.

Dr. Oakley recommends using effective emollient hand creams containing urea or lactic acid to manage the symptoms.

Treatments

It is recommended to use a cream that contains natural ingredients such as urea. This is a natural remedy that is effective in the treatment of peeling skin conditions.

You could also use virgin coconut oil to naturally moisturize your hands and help to lessen the outbreaks of peeling skin on your palms.

8. Scarlet fever

This is a bacterial infection that results in peeling of skin on the hands and fingers. The condition can also result in sore throat and formation of rashes on the skin.

According to research done by Doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the skin condition can result in the formation of rashes on the hands. And during the healing process, you may notice the peeling of the skin on the fingertips.

Some of the common symptoms associated with scarlet fever include; red tongue, sore throat, enlarged glands in the neck, high fever often with chills, nausea or vomiting. These are serious health complications that may require diagnosis from a professional doctor.

9. Tinea manuum

This is a fungal infection on the hands and fingers. It is a type of ringworm that occurs on the hands. According to the American Academy of Physicians, tinea manuum causes scaling and flaking skin on the palms of the hands, between fingers, and on the back of hands.

Washing your hands after touching your pets and avoid sharing of towels or cloth with your friend is highly recommended since ringworms are highly infectious.

You can also get rid of fungal infections on the skin with a tea tree and coconut oil homemade salve or use these other natural remedies for ringworm.

10. Fungal skin infection

Peeling and flaking of the skin in between the fingers and hands are caused by fungal infection. According to Dr. William Blahd on WebMD, fungal infection is mainly marked by flaking or peeling skin, red patches of itchy skin, and possibly red blisters.

Some common fungi infections that usually occur in between the toes are athlete’s foot, jock itch in the groin, and rashes in the folds of the skin.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, these fungal infections can also spread to your hands and fingernails.

Treatment

Tree oil can be used to get rid of fungal infection in between the fingers and hands. When it is combined with coconut oil, it becomes a powerful moisturizing component that can be used to keep fungal infection at bay.

Mix some three drops of tree oil with coconut oil and apply on the affected part of the hands. continue using the remedy until all the signs of peeling skin disappear.

11. Psoriasis

This is a chronic skin condition that is marked by patches of red flaky skin that come and go. The condition mainly affects the hands, fingers, and fingernails.

According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, some of other features of psoriasis are red patches of dead skin with silvery scales. These scales may flake off like dandruff. Along with the skin peeling, the skin lesions may be itchy, sore, and bleed if the skin becomes dry and cracked.

12. Hand eczema

The skin condition is usually marked by very dry skin that starts to peel and flake off. The common causes of hand eczema are daily activities, irritants and allergens.

According to the National Eczema Association, the condition is marked by itchy skin, redness, cracks, and blisters. It is recommended to use moisturizers to your hands in order to curb eczema flare-ups and stop skin on your hands from becoming cracked and peeling.

Treatment

Application of coconut oil helps to moisturize the skin and nourishes it. According to the research, coconut oil has antibacterial and emollient effects that help to treat dermatitis. Coconut oil also kills off bacterial and fungal skin infections.

To use virgin coconut oil to soothe cracked and peeling skin caused by hand eczema, you should gently massage a little oil into the affected area several times a day. This will help to relieve itching, flaking, and reduce redness from your hands.

What does it mean when your fingers are peeling?

This could be due to the following factors:

1. Keratosis Pilaris

This is an inherited skin condition that results in the formation of skin to appear like sandpaper and can be itchy during cold weather. It is recommended to use ointments containing lactic acid or urea, or using topical retinoids in order to get rid of the condition.

2. Hand eczema

This skin condition is caused by chemical irritants, trauma and handling paper. Some of the common symptoms are itching, peeling, and patchy, red, scaly skin. It is recommended to put on gloves in when touching or mixing chemicals.

3. Allergies

Skin peeling on the fingertips could be due to coming into close contact with some allergens. These allergens irritate the skin and causing peeling off. People allergic to latex should avoid rubber gloves and even some shoes.

4. Finger Sucking

This is a condition that is quite common among children. It may result in peeling from the top of the finger to about halfway down. Try some other alternative to make sure your child cease off from this habit.

Skin Peeling on Fingers near Nails

Peeling of the skin around the nails could be due to:

1. Environmental causes

These are external factors that are not easily controllable. Some of the common factors are weather changes which can result in various changes on the skin. The potential environmental factors that result in peeling skin near nails include:

• Finger-sucking
• Reaction to cold and hot weather
• Sunburn
• Using products with harsh chemicals
• Frequent handwashing
• Dry skin

2. Underlying medical conditions

Peeling cuticle could also be a sign of underlying medical conditions. Some of the common medical condition that results in peeling skin near nails includes:

• Allergies
• Niacin deficiency or vitamin A toxicity
• Hand eczema
• Psoriasis
• Exfoliative keratolysis
• Kawasaki disease

Why does the skin around my nails peel?

Peeling skin around the nails could be due to a number of reasons. It can either be due to infection, frequent washing of hands without using a good moisturizer, or because of a serious internal disease.

The most common cause of peeling skin around the nails includes:

• Allergic Reactions
• Bad Habit
• Lack of Minerals
• Skin Diseases
• Infection

How do I stop the Skin on my Fingers from peeling?

Here are some of the home remedies that can help to combat skin peeling on the fingers.

1. Warm Water

Add lemon and honey to the warm water. Rinse your hands for at least 10 minutes or so each day. It will make the skin supple and the dry skin to fall off. Apply vitamin E oil, olive oil or a good moisturizer on them to maintain the level of moisture.

2. Cucumber

Extract cucumber juice and apply on the affected skin. Wash the skin with lukewarm water after applying cucumber juice.

3. Aloe Vera

Extract the gel of raw aloe vera and apply on the affect part of the skin. The gel has a soothing and healing effect. Drinking two tablespoons of Aloe Vera juice on a daily basis is also a great way of preventing peeling of skin around nails.

4. Honey

Apply a small amount of pure honey on the affected area of the skin and keep it there for about 10 to 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Note: You can also add honey into olive oil and make a mixture. Apply this mixture on the skin on a daily basis to keep the skin supple and soft.

5. Olive Oil

Heat a half cup of extra virgin olive oil in the microwave. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil into the olive oil. And then rinse your fingers for about 10 minutes in the warm oil.

In the end, gently wash your hands with lukewarm water and apply a moisturizer after drying the hands.

6. Oats

This is a natural remedy that can be used to treat peeling fingertips is oats. This remedy will effectively remove dead skin cells from your fingers and make them soft and smooth.

• Mix a handful of powdered oats in a large bowl of warm water.
• Soak your fingers in it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash your hands with clean water and pat dry gently using a soft cotton towel.
• Apply a gentle moisturizer.
• For best results, follow this remedy daily before going to bed.

7. Mint Juice

It has medicinal properties and can be used to treat peeling fingertips. It also works as a great natural moisturizer. This remedy helps treat skin dryness and other skin conditions like eczema.

• Extract the juice out of some fresh mint leaves.
• Before going to bed, apply this mint juice all over the affected skin.
• Leave it on overnight.
• The next morning, wash the skin with lukewarm water.

8. Banana

It can be used to help heal peeling fingertips as it is another great ingredient for moisturizing the skin. You can combine it with sour cream, sugar and olive oil to help your skin heal faster.

• Mix together the pulp of a ripe banana, some sour cream, a pinch of powdered sugar and one tablespoon of olive oil.
• Apply this mixture on the affected skin for at least 30 minutes.
• Wash and pat dry your hands thoroughly and apply some moisturizer.
• Do this daily for a few days.

Skin Peeling on Fingers Treatment

There are numerous reasons behind peeling of fingers and fingertips. Mild symptoms may be best treated with time, home remedies, and OTC creams or moisturizers.

It is recommended to see your doctor in case you have intense symptoms such as intense pain or difficulty breathing. You may have a serious medical issue that requires immediate treatment.

You should also see your doctor if the peeling doesn’t improve within a week. Your doctor can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

FURTHER REFERENCES

1. What Causes the Skin to Peel From Fingertips? https://www.livestrong.com/article/99005-causes-skin-peel-fingertips/
2. What Causes Peeling Fingertips and How Is It Treated? https://www.healthline.com/health/fingertips-peeling
3. What causes skin on the fingertips to peel? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320096.php
4. Why Is the Skin Around Your Nails Peeling? https://www.enkiverywell.com/skin-peeling-around-nails.html
5. How to Get Rid of Peeling Fingertips: https://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-get-rid-of-peeling-fingertips.html/3