Causes of peeling skin on the palms of children and adults - what to do and treatments

First of all, let's clarify the symptoms. Peeling on the fingers or feet means dry skin, the formation of superficial blisters, and lamellar detachment of the skin.

Often, red, “tight” skin is visible under the peeling top layer. As part of self-medication, parents often resort to ointments, which gives a short-term improvement, but within 24 hours the child’s condition worsens again.

As with any symptom, we recommend making an appointment with a dermatologist rather than treating yourself. There are many diseases and ways to treat them.

Similar symptoms give:

- atopic dermatitis; - contact dermatitis; - eczema; - exfoliative keratolysis; - mycosis; - endocrine diseases; - allergic reactions; — lack of vitamins A and E; - incorrectly selected clothes; — violation of hygiene; — fungal diseases; - and many more reasons, with different tactics for their treatment.

What is peeling skin on the palms

Hands are one of those parts of the body that are more susceptible to negative external factors than others. It is natural for the skin to renew on them within a month, when the upper layer of the epidermis is replaced almost imperceptibly. If this becomes obvious, then there is definitely a problem in the body. You should be alert to the skin on your hands bursting, flaking and hanging down in the form of rags that can even be torn off. This is peeling, which affects the fingers and hand as a whole, and often even both.

Symptoms

Skin peeling is manifested by several simple signs - it bursts or cracks, after which pieces of the epidermis appear on the surface, which peel off on their own or can be torn off. Such symptoms affect the fingers as a whole, the surface between them and their pads, the palm itself and its back side. The skin may peel off on a certain part of the hand or all at once. A reason to consult a specialist are other signs that may be present along with peeling:

• peeling;
• burning and itching;
• redness;
• rash;
• pain.

Why does the skin on the palms of the hands peel?

There are many reasons why palms and fingers peel and peel. It all depends on the individual, his skin and occupation. One of the main ones is an allergy to:

• cold;
• caring cosmetics – creams, ointments, soaps, etc.;
• food consumed;
• medicines;
• dishwashing detergent, especially if used frequently without gloves.

Another reason that the skin peels is the lack of proper hand care, including insufficiently deep moisturizing. This is especially true for those who have naturally dry skin. From a lack of vitamins, peeling of the epidermis is also often observed. With a deficiency of microelements, the elasticity of the skin decreases, which can cause cracks. Vitamin deficiency occurs in autumn or spring. In winter, peeling is a consequence of exposure to cold. Among the more general factors that cause peeling are:

• prolonged exposure to the sun;
• dry air during the heating season or hot period of the year;
• the habit of constantly scratching your palms, which causes infection in the tissues;
• contacts with cement, dust, earth and other construction work.

A separate reason for peeling skin is a fungus. In this case, the manifestation of symptoms along the edges of the palms is especially characteristic. If the skin on the palms and other parts of the hands peels off, this may indicate some other diseases, such as:

• eczema;
• dermatitis;
• psoriasis;
• lichen planus;
• scabies (the skin peels off on the palms and between the fingers).

In this case, not only does the skin peel off, but also itching, redness and a rash appear. Changing cosmetics will not help here. Treatment is carried out after tests and can only be prescribed by a doctor. In addition to skin pathologies, the reason that the skin peels off is also diseases of the internal organs, parasitic, infectious, etc.:

• lupus erythematosus;
• parakeratosis, hyperkeratosis;
• syphilis;
• staphylococcal infections;
• scarlet fever (fingertips peel off);
• helminthic infestation;
• dehydration (skin peels off, hair becomes dry);
• stress and neurological disorders;
• pathological processes in the pancreas;
• hormonal imbalance;
• reduced immunity.

The skin on the palm of one hand is peeling

The reasons why the skin peels off on the palm of one hand are the same as in the case of both hands. Although more often this phenomenon is observed in the event of contact with this hand of some kind of irritant. This is how an allergic reaction to detergent, cosmetics, food, sun or dry air manifests itself. Skin diseases can also be the cause of peeling palms. Often psoriasis or lichen appears on some parts of the body, and not necessarily on both arms. Lack of vitamins is also a factor in the fact that the skin begins to peel off.

The skin is bursting

A more serious problem is skin popping. It may be more painful. Among the external reasons for this phenomenon are:

• exposure to frost;
• aggressive household chemicals;
• unsuitable cosmetics;
• contact with solvents, paints and other compounds used during repairs.

There are a number of diseases that lead to the skin on the palms or arms in general bursting and peeling off:

• eczema;
• avitaminosis;
• fungal infections;
• psoriasis;
• dermatosis;
• metabolic disease;
• hormonal imbalances;
• heredity;
• taking antibiotics;
• inflammation in the body.

The skin on the child’s hands is peeling

In young children, peeling skin on the palms of the hands is often a consequence of vitamin deficiency, reduced immunity, or hormonal imbalance. For children, this condition can be very dangerous, so you should immediately consult a doctor. Preschool children have a habit of scratching their palms, which also leads to peeling palms. When peeling is combined with a rash and redness on the face, a child may be diagnosed with dermatitis.

What complications may arise

Exfoliative keratolysis does not cause functional changes in the baby’s systems and organs. Most often, this unpleasant phenomenon is a symptom of a hidden illness, a pathological process. The danger of increased desquamation is associated with a violation of the integrity of the skin and the addition of a bacterial or fungal infection.

If an infectious infection occurs, then inflamed ulcers and blisters appear on the back of the palms. At the slightest injury, they open, itch, and provoke the appearance of new papules and the formation of yellow crusts.

Diagnostics

It is difficult to identify exactly the reasons why the skin on both palms is peeling off on your own, because some tests are needed. During a visual examination, the doctor notes other symptoms, such as cracks, pain, redness or itching. He also determines the places where these signs are noted, if they are not only on the hands. The doctor looks to see if only the fingers or palms as a whole are peeling, identifies the patient’s skin type and inquires about how long the problem has been. To diagnose hidden diseases, blood and urine tests are prescribed. A skin sample helps identify an external irritant, such as a fungus.

What to do if your child’s fingers peel off

Parents cannot determine why the skin of a baby’s hands dries out and its integrity is compromised. Only a doctor can clarify the nature of the pathology and identify its source after examination and obtaining laboratory results.

If your child's fingers are peeling, show him to pediatric specialists:

• pediatrician;
• dermatologist;
• infectious disease specialist;
• endocrinologist;
• immunologist;
• allergist.

The doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis during the initial examination and history taking. For example, scarlet fever is characterized by large-plate peeling, which begins from the area below the wrist and then moves to the fingers. In this case, the skin not only exfoliates, but peels off in large pieces. Fungal infections, dermatitis, and allergic reactions have their own symptoms. To correctly prescribe therapy, it is important to determine exactly what exactly caused the pathological condition.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made based on the results of a clinical examination. If a fungus is suspected, an additional study using potassium hydroxide and microscopy is prescribed.

At the appointment, the doctor can visually determine the cause of desquamation by visible signs:

• dryness, itching and flaking with slight redness – contact dermatitis;
• cracks, vesicles with liquid filling – dyshidrosis;
• convex red-burgundy plaques with clearly defined boundaries - psoriasis;
• Constant peeling of the epidermis is a genetic disease called acral peeling syndrome.

If a patient is suspected of having an allergy that has caused drying of the skin of the hands, then allergy tests are prescribed.

Parents should take note that it is undesirable to start treatment without a clear diagnosis. Before receiving test results, the doctor can only give general recommendations to alleviate symptoms. Adequate therapy will be determined only after identifying the source that provokes such a reaction in the body.

Treatment

Modern medicine offers several methods of therapy. After assessing the patient’s health condition, the severity of the disease and symptoms, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate option. The specialist will describe in detail the prescription plan, indicating the course of administration and dosage of medications.

Drug treatment

Medicines are prescribed taking into account the baby’s age, individual sensitivity to active substances, and the expected therapeutic result.

The list of appointments included:

• keratolytic creams with urea and salicylic acid, which actively moisturize;
• taking vitamins A and E - makes the skin more elastic, soft and durable;
• antiallergic drugs if an allergen is identified;
• antibacterial and antifungal agents if the peeling areas are infected/contaminated with fungal spores.

The child is required to recommend probiotics to restore intestinal microflora and a diet.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine is also indicated for the treatment of skin diseases and stabilization of physiological processes. You can relieve inflammation and prevent peeling on your fingers using compresses or baths with herbal decoctions:

• sequences;
• chamomile;
• nettle;
• sage;
• peppermint.

The effect of natural ingredients helps relieve itching, redness, inflammation, and speed up the healing process.

The use of natural oils is indicated. Cold-pressed products that have a moisturizing effect, essential oils, and animal fats are suitable. They are used externally, gently lubricating damaged areas.

What to do

A dermatologist can correctly diagnose the reason why the skin of your hands is peeling, so if you have such a symptom, it is better to immediately contact a dermatologist. Until this point, you can try to improve the condition or at least alleviate it. The first thing you need to do is start taking care of your skin. After washing, they need to be dried thoroughly. Twice a day, the skin should be lubricated with a nourishing cream containing chamomile, glycerin or aloe. The following will help improve your condition:

1. Baths. A very effective recipe is 1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water. Leave your hands in this composition for about a quarter of an hour, after which they are blotted with a napkin and lubricated with cream.
2. Masks. Honey ones are especially useful. Honey should simply be applied to the skin. After half an hour, it is washed thoroughly.
3. Lotion. Rub your hands with a piece of cucumber, then lubricate them with a mixture of glycerin cream and lemon juice.

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Etiology

Violations in the condition of one or several nail plates in a child can be caused by various reasons:

• congenital anomalies;
• hereditary predisposition;
• chemical, biological, physical and mechanical injuries to the nails: the habit of sucking fingers or biting nails, external exposure to chemicals or high temperatures, improperly performed manicure, fungal infections, uncomfortable shoes, etc.;
• dermatological pathologies contributing to nail damage: eczema, psoriasis, alopecia, etc.;
• pathologies of the endocrine system: diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, etc.;
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
• general intoxication of the body, taking certain aggressive medications;
• stress;
• suffered serious illnesses, chronic pathologies, infections, mental disorders, neoplasms, etc.

Sometimes the development of dystrophy is provoked not by one, but by several factors at once; their determination is an important task for a podiatrist. After identifying the root causes, the specialist can eliminate the effect of negative factors and develop the most effective treatment plan with corrective manipulations to improve the appearance of the nail plates.

Treatment

A certain therapy is prescribed by a doctor after diagnosing the disease. It may include medications and a number of care products, including traditional recipes. It can be especially difficult to get rid of fungal infections, but after identifying its type, this is quite possible with the correct selection of ointment. In case of an allergic reaction, completely different medications are prescribed - with antihistamine properties, and in case of vitamin deficiency - with a complex of vitamins. Even salon procedures such as paraffin therapy, hot or spa manicure can prevent peeling.

Medication

The prescription of drugs is determined by the reason why the skin is peeling. In case of fungal infection, treatment is carried out using such means as:

• Nizoral;
• Ketoconazole;
• Exoderil;
• Fluconazole;
• Lamisil;
• Diflucan.

Therapy may not be very quick and may take a long time, up to several months. If the cause is an allergen, then you need to limit contact with it. To enhance the effect, it is necessary to take antihistamines, for example, Suprastin or Zyrtec. In addition to them, sorbents are often used that remove toxins from the body. When treating more severe diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, the doctor himself determines the therapy. It includes:

• corticosteroid drugs – Advantan, Lokoid;
• anti-inflammatory medications - Elokom, Bepanten, Fenistil.

Self-medication is unacceptable here, as is the case with syphilis, lupus erythematosus, scarlet fever, scabies and other diseases that cause peeling. If the problem is a lack of vitamins, then you should take a multivitamin complex and additionally eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. Ointments designed to regenerate the upper layer of the epidermis can be auxiliary products in the treatment of skin. The highest quality restorative drugs are:

• Bepanten;
• Panthenol;
• Radevit;
• Neutrogenia.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes are also effective in combating peeling hands. Although it is better to use them as an adjuvant to the main therapy against a specific disease prescribed by a doctor. If the skin peeling is not caused by serious pathologies, then you can use the following folk recipes:

1. Celandine ointment. To prepare it, add 1 cup of vegetable oil to the leaves of the plant. Then you need to boil this mixture, add 20 g of wax to it and keep it on the fire until it is completely dissolved. Apply the resulting composition to the damaged areas 2 times a day.
2. Gelatin. Baths are made from this product. To do this, pour 1 teaspoon of gelatin into 1 glass of water. The mixture is boiled for 40 minutes, then allowed to stand for a while. You need to place your hands in the warm mass and hold it until it cools.
3. Honey with oatmeal. A mask is made based on them. To do this, take 1 tablespoon of each ingredient, mix and leave for a couple of minutes. Leave this mask on the skin of your hands for about half an hour, then wash it off with warm water and lubricate the skin with a rich cream.

Cosmetics

Proper regular care is very important for hand health. Cosmetics in the form of creams, ointments, lotions and other types help to carry it out. Preparations with the following components will be effective for the health and beauty of the skin:

• hyaluronic acid;
• linoleic and linolenic acids;
• hexahydric alcohol sorbitol;
• collagen;
• glycerin.

These components help provide hydration to the epidermis, stimulate cell renewal, increase protective qualities and add elasticity. Moisturizers based on olive oil, jojoba oil, grape seed and apricot are also very useful. Any fatty ointment with these components has a positive effect. Baby cream and Lyubava cream are suitable for any skin type. Regardless of the drug, it is applied in a thin layer to the skin, allowed to absorb, after which the excess is removed with a sponge.

Additional measures

As a supplement to the main treatment, it is permissible to use traditional medicine. Of course, they can be used only after determining the cause of peeling of the fingertips. This is due to certain prohibitions. For example, if you have parasites or scabies, it is unacceptable to take warm baths - this can only aggravate the general condition.

Chamomile solution, in which you need to hold your hands for several minutes, helps relieve itching, irritation and other unpleasant symptoms of peeling. A number of other herbs, for example, string or calendula, enhance the beneficial effects. No less effective is sea salt for warm baths.

Important to remember:

1. It is not recommended to heat water for baths to high temperatures; approximately 38-42 degrees is sufficient;
2. after the restoration procedure, it is necessary to blot the cover with a soft towel with dense pile;
3. It is unacceptable to use products made of hard materials for wiping, or to thoroughly rub baby’s skin.

Even healthy, but already dry fingers or palms are recommended to be lubricated with cream for additional hydration. It is acceptable to use oil solutions or, for example, multivitamin formulations. They will not only moisturize the epidermis, but will also contribute to its proper nutrition.

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Another significant factor is hand and foot hygiene, the observance of which is fundamentally important for recovery. If fungal diseases have previously been detected, it is necessary to purchase shoes or clothing exclusively from natural materials.

It is strongly recommended to pay attention to the fact that the child must have his own towel and bed linen. To prevent relapse, you will need to wash them exclusively in hot water; you can additionally use antiseptics.

Prevention

Regular preventive measures can help prevent skin problems. It consists of good hand care, which includes:

• Dry your hands thoroughly after washing;
• refusal of antibacterial soap in favor of a soft gel for sensitive hand skin;
• drink up to 2 liters of fluid daily to prevent dehydration;
• use sunscreen in summer;
• in cold weather, always wear mittens or gloves;
• maintain proper nutrition so that the diet is rich in vitamins;
• use rubber gloves when doing housework;
• use hypoallergenic cosmetics;
• Lubricate your skin with moisturizing creams daily.

Preventing peeling of fingers in a child

Parents just need to follow simple rules:

• do not abuse hygiene - do not teach to wash your hands too often using liquid or bar soap;
• strengthen the immune system from birth: take long walks in the fresh air, do not neglect sports activities, adhere to the principles of a healthy diet;
• protect your baby’s hands from temperature changes - wear gloves or mittens in winter, and lubricate the skin of your hands with moisturizing sunscreen in summer;
• Treat all diseases in a timely manner and be sure to consult a pediatrician.

It is important to monitor the baby’s health from the first days of life so that his well-being does not create reasons for concern!