Many dermatologist patients complain of quickly, within a few days, keratinization of the skin on their fingers. Since in the first period of the disease most people try to eliminate this defect on their own, using warm baths and rich creams, they see a doctor only when deep, painful cracks form on the skin. Hyperkeratosis is a general name for a whole group of diseases that cause this symptom, some of them are very serious. This disease is characterized by disruption of the epidermis, an increase in the layer of dead cells and the formation of areas covered with the stratum corneum.
Etiology and symptoms of peeling fingertips
Peeling is a consequence of the rapid rejection of the epidermis. Renewing this layer is simply necessary, since this process maintains the full elasticity and firmness of the skin, its softness. This process is normally invisible to the human eye, because particles of dead skin are removed while washing hands or doing some housework.
When the process is visible to the naked eye, this is not normal, we can talk about a pathological condition. The main reasons are as follows:
- Parakeratosis - the formation of initially defective cells of the stratum corneum of the skin surface;
- Hyperkeratosis is characterized by accelerated formation of stratum corneum cells;
- Negative impact of external factors.
For your information, slight peeling of the skin on the hands is normal for people who have a history of deficiencies of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional components.
External factors include dry air, frostbite, loss of moisture, aggressive substances, mechanical trauma to the skin - wounds, scratches, abrasions, etc.
Skin can crack and peel due to poor nutrition. The human body receives insufficient amounts of amino acids, fats, and nutrients. Accordingly, an imbalance is formed, which is reflected on the skin.
Peeling of fingers is accompanied by local and general symptoms:
- Local signs – itching of varying severity (from moderate to unbearable), severe dryness or weeping, various rashes;
- Common symptoms are causeless irritability, sleep disturbance, lethargy and weakness.
Practice shows that if there is intense discomfort in the area of the fingers, then patients focus all their attention on it, which leads to various psychological problems and significantly worsens the quality of life.
Causes of dry hand skin: internal and external
To effectively deal with a problem, you need to determine exactly what caused it. The reasons why the skin of your hands may dry out are divided into external and internal. In the first case, dryness is caused by the direct influence of harmful environmental factors, such as:
- Improper skin care. Frequent use of hot water, aggressive hygiene products - soap, gels, many of which contain surfactants that destroy the hydrolipid film, as well as disinfectants due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Exposure to unfavorable climatic factors, such as high and low temperatures, dry air, wind, ultraviolet radiation, prolonged stay in an air-conditioned room.
- Contact with professional and household chemicals.
In addition, the skin of the hands can dry, peel and crack due to regular aggressive cosmetic procedures such as peeling, laser resurfacing, diamond microdermabrasion, etc.1.
Internal causes of dry hands include:
- chronic dermatoses: psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, some forms of mycoses (fungal skin infections), ichthyosis, keratoderma, etc.4;
- malignant oncological diseases, radiation and chemotherapy;
- endocrine pathologies: diabetes mellitus, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland);
- renal failure;
- vitamin deficiency;
- mental disorders, for example, the psychogenic form of anorexia.
Sometimes dry hand skin occurs when following strict diets, lack of vitamins and impaired absorption of nutrients3. Also, one of the reasons may be the use of certain medications, such as:
- alcohol-containing solutions;
- talkers;
- preparations for phototherapy;
- local and systemic corticosteroids;
- topical and systemic retinoids for the treatment of acne.
Diseases accompanied by peeling hands
When the skin peels off, it is an unsightly sight. On the one hand, this is a serious cosmetic defect that requires elimination, and on the other hand, it is a signal from the body about a malfunction in it.
Instructions for using Keto Plus shampoo and cheap analogues
Psoriasis and ichthyosis
Psoriasis is a dermatological disease that occurs as a result of autoimmune disorders in the body. Not contagious. With this form of pathology, small scales appear on the arms and legs, and pink and red spots form. Peeling may be the only sign of an abnormal process. It often brings a lot of problems, since it covers not only the fingertips, but the entire palm.
Ichthyosis is classified as a genetic pathology. In most cases, the disease manifests itself in children aged 2-3 years. The skin peels off on the lower and upper extremities, and there are scales all over the body. Over time, the skin becomes thick and dense, as a result of which it begins to crack.
Dyshidrosis and atopic dermatitis
A disease such as dyshidrosis is localized on the skin of the feet and hands. First, bubbles appear in the interdigital space, itching is observed, and small scales appear.
Worth knowing: the exact causes of dyshidrosis have not been established. Most medical specialists agree that the etiology is based on a combination of several provoking factors.
The atopic form of dermatitis is accompanied by thickening and hyperemia of the skin, severe peeling of the hands and feet. The appearance of small white scales is observed. Pathogenesis – genetic predisposition to allergic reactions. Pathology develops more often in children, less often in adults. It is chronic in nature, persists throughout life, with periodic remissions followed by exacerbations.
Lichen planus and pityriasis versicolor
Lichen ruber develops as a result of an infection or virus. Some sources highlight toxic origin. Plaques form on the patient’s arms and legs, which peel off exclusively in the center of the spot. As the pathological process progresses, the skin peels over the entire surface of the elements, which acquire a purple color.
The causes of the pityriasis form are the growth and reproduction of opportunistic fungi. The patient has spots on the skin that have a clear outline. Localization – arms, legs, upper torso. In some cases, the rash appears in the groin area. The therapy is long-term and complex, carried out exclusively under medical supervision.
Fungus in human ears: causes and treatment
Allergic dermatitis, scarlet fever, fungal infection, various infections, secondary syphilis, measles, scabies and other diseases can lead to peeling of fingers.
Methods of therapy
The doctor will determine exactly how to treat the problem in order to completely eliminate unpleasant manifestations. For diagnosis and treatment, you need to contact a dermatologist, as well as your specialist who deals with chronic disease.
The treatment uses only complex therapy, which, through joint efforts, including medications, traditional medicine and healthy nutrition, helps eliminate the problem. Along with the use of these treatment methods, it is necessary to limit work with chemical mixtures and more often pamper your hands with moisturizing cosmetics.
An important role in eliminating troubles is played by the intake of vitamins and microelements into the body. Therefore, the menu should be correct and balanced, rich in foods rich in calcium, vitamin E, A.
Conservative treatment of hand peeling
Initially, you need to establish the exact reasons that led to the symptom. After they are eliminated, specific treatment is prescribed. In most cases, it is enough to use topical products - creams and gels that help restore the skin.
Advice: if, along with peeling, the skin cracks, it is better to use drugs with regenerative properties - Depanthenol, Bepanten, Panthenol. They will speed up the healing process and protect against secondary infection.
All external use products are conventionally divided into hormonal and non-hormonal origin. If in the first case independent use is permissible, then in the second option it is strictly prohibited. Prescribed only by a dermatologist, taking into account all medical indications and contraindications.
The following remedies will help get rid of peeling:
- Cream “Forest Power” nourishes the skin and promotes hydration. Helps speed up regeneration processes;
- “Zorka” remedy. Despite the fact that the drug is sold in veterinary pharmacies, it effectively heals wound surfaces, fights peeling and other skin problems. The cream was awarded the Gold and Platinum quality mark of the 21st century.
A fungal infection is treated with antifungal drugs - Nystatin, Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, Lotseryl, etc. If a bacterial infection occurs, antibacterial therapy is prescribed.
Types of medications
The most effective pharmaceutical products include the following ointments:
- “Bepanten” (due to the content of provitamin B, it restores damaged tissue, softens, moisturizes, strengthens the skin and relieves inflammation);
- “Depanthenol” (has regenerating, anti-inflammatory and softening properties);
- “Dexpanthenol” (eliminates inflammation and restores damaged epidermis);
- “Radevit” (has a moisturizing effect, treats dermatitis and uninfected wounds);
- “Panthenol” (analogue of “Dexpanthenol”: provides density of tissue fibers, moisturizes, nourishes, relieves dryness);
- “Aquaphor” (used for dry skin on the hands);
- zinc ointment (relieves dryness, tightness of the skin, heals cracks and wounds);
- “Akriderm” (used to treat various dermatitis, including psoriasis and eczema);
- “Videstim” (regenerates affected tissue, effective for eczema);
- hydrocortisone ointment (has anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties);
- “Pantoderm” (relieves itching and flaking).
The use of ointments is possible only after consultation with a doctor.
The use of folk remedies
If the cause of peeling, cracks and dryness of the skin is external factors such as hypothermia, the action of aggressive chemicals, then you can use folk methods to eliminate the problem:
- Apply the thickest cream you have at home to your hands. Make a bath for your hands: dissolve two tablespoons of soda in a liter of warm water, soak your limbs, massage them in the liquid for 5 minutes. After manipulation, apply the rich cream again.
- A vegetable oil-based bath can help with peeling. Heat the oil to an acceptable temperature, put your hands in it for 10-15 minutes. Wear soft gloves at night. Reviews show that after a few manipulations there will be no trace left of the cosmetic defect.
- Home remedy with flax seeds. Take a few tablespoons of the component, add water, cook until thick. The resulting decoction is applied warm to the affected areas. Put on gloves on top. Leave for several hours. Wash your hands with running water and lubricate with cream. Frequency of application – twice a day. Within a week, the skin will recover.
- Mix one spoon of banana, sea buckthorn oil and natural honey. Apply the paste onto your hands and leave for 40 minutes. Rinse off.
Important: to speed up skin regeneration, you can take a course of vitamins and minerals; it is additionally recommended to enrich your diet with fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits, and normalize your drinking regime.
As a preventive measure, it is necessary to regularly wash your hands in warm water using gentle products; thoroughly dry your hands before going outside; In winter, always use protective equipment.
What to do?
Dry skin on the fingers is the cause of insufficient water in the body. Dermis is skin tissue, the outer covering of the skin, which is capable of retaining moisture no more than 20%. In order not to bring the body to dehydration, it is advisable to drink clean still water (at least two liters), enrich the menu with a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and berries, dairy products and natural fresh juices. Do not drink tea and coffee - these products remove a lot of water from the body and the skin becomes dehydrated.
