What Causes Skin to Peel on Your Hands ?

Have you ever looked at your hands and wondered why the skin on your hands is peeling? At first it might be terrifying but for some it may be a daily instance. Let’s explore the reasons why your skin on your hands might be peeling.

What is meant by skin peeling?

Peeling skin occurs when the outer layer of your skin, known as the epidermis, sheds. This is a natural healing process that helps the skin recover from damage caused by environmental factors, skin conditions, allergies, infections, or certain diseases or treatments. The medical term for this process is desquamation. 

Your skin constantly faces environmental factors like sun, wind, heat, dryness, and high humidity, which can cause irritation and damage. Over time, this irritation may lead to skin peeling. In overdue babies, mild, painless, skin peeling is common. 

What does skin peeling look like?

The peeling skin you see is part of your epidermis, the outermost and thinnest layer of your skin. Despite being thin, it helps protect your body from bacteria and germs. It also constantly produces new cells to replace the ones that shed daily. 

What are the possible causes of skin peeling on hands?

Usually the cause of hand peeling is not a concern, as many people tend to experience it on a frequent basis. But at times it may be indicating something serious. Here are some of the reasons why your skin might be peeling on hands,

• Sunburn:

Sunburn is a common reason for peeling skin on the hands. It usually appears as red, hot skin, though you may not realize you’re getting burned while out in the sun. Often, the signs of sunburn become noticeable later, once you’re in the shade. 

If the sunburn is more severe, the skin may start peeling within a few days as your body sheds damaged cells to make room for new ones. In extreme cases, sunburn can also cause blisters. 

How to take care of sunburns?

Sunburns don’t always need treatment, but applying a moisturizer like aloe vera can help soothe the pain as your skin heals. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and covering the burned area can also protect it from further sun damage. 

If blisters form, avoid popping or squeezing them, as this can lead to infection. Let peeling skin shed naturally, pulling it yourself can harm deeper layers and cause scarring.  Seek the best dermatology hospital in Coimbatore if you are facing skin peeling on your hands.

• Chemicals:

Some chemicals can irritate the skin on your hands, causing dryness or even chemical burns. In some cases, this irritation can lead to swelling. Jobs that involve frequent contact with chemicals include:

• Construction
• Cleaning 
• Agriculture 

• Constant contact with water:

You may notice your hands getting wrinkled and dry after spending a lot of time in water. Or when you keep on washing your hands for no apparent reason it may also be the cause of dry peeling hands. Washing your hands is important, but doing it too often or scrubbing too hard can irritate your skin and cause peeling. Additionally many soaps contain fragrances, preservatives, and alcohol, which can be harsh on the skin. 

What kind of treatment is offered for this?

Hand soaps with glycerin help retain moisture and are less likely to dry out your skin. Look for soaps that contain glycerin. After washing your hands follow up with a good moisturizer. Avoid moisturizers with strong fragrances, as they can further irritate your skin. 

• Climatic conditions:

Shifts in temperature and weather can cause dry, peeling skin. Many people notice their skin becoming drier, redder, and rougher during fall and winter. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, leading to lower humidity and drier conditions in winter. To stay warm, people often turn up indoor heating, which further dries out the air and worsens skin dryness. 

Additionally, studies show that cold weather and low humidity weaken skin’s natural barrier, making it more sensitive to irritants and allergens. 

What kind of treatment is offered?

If you live in a dry climate, keeping your skin moisturized, especially after washing your hands, can help prevent dryness and peeling. Applying petroleum jelly before bed can also be helpful. Since it can be a bit messy, wearing socks or gloves over your hands can lock in moisture and keep it from rubbing off. If you use indoor heating, consider a humidifier. 

• Acral peeling syndrome:

Acral peeling syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes the outer layer of skin to peel and sometimes form blisters. It mainly affects the hands and feet but can also appear on arms and legs. Symptoms are usually present at birth, though some people may not develop them until early childhood. 

How is the cause of skin peeling identified?

Usually a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin problems. Usually your family history and physical examination is performed. You may be recommended certain set of tests that include:

• Allergy tests 
• Skin biopsy 
• Blood tests

When should you consult a doctor?

If the skin on your hands is peeling and you’re unsure of the cause, you can try using moisturizers and avoiding harsh chemicals or irritants to help improve the condition. 

If you’re experiencing skin peeling along with other symptoms, reach out to the best dermatologist in Coimbatore. They can advise whether you should schedule an appointment or seek immediate medical attention. Watch for these signs that may indicate the need to visit a doctor:

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Constant pain
• Fever 
• Rash 
• Experiencing signs of infection

What are the tips to get rid of skin peeling on hands?

Immediate relief from skin peeling is not quite possible, it can take a couple of days to weeks to resolve. But here are a few tips to follow consistently to avoid skin peeling:

• Moisturize:

As the name implies, moisturizers keep your skin healthy by adding hydration. They also benefit your skin by:

• Promoting healing
• Adding in moisture 
• Damage from rubbing or friction
• Relief from itching 
• Covering small cracks 

The best time to apply moisturizer is right after bathing or washing hands, as it helps seal in the moisture from the water. Moisturizers come in creams, ointments, and lotions. Creams and ointments are usually more effective than lotions, which contain more water. If your skin is very dry, try applying a thick ointment before bed and wearing soft cotton gloves to help retain moisture. 

Most moisturizers provide immediate relief, and with regular use for about two weeks, you will likely notice lasting improvements. 

• Exfoliation:

Dry skin can appear flaky, and exfoliants help by removing dead skin cells from the surface, reducing flaking and peeling. They gently clear away only the outer layer of skin that’s already shedding without damaging the healthy skin underneath. In contrast, pulling or picking at peeling skin can cause irritation and lead to further issues. There are two forms of exfoliants named: chemical and mechanical. 

Chemical exfoliants break down the bonds between dead skin cells, making it easier to remove the outer layer. 

Mechanical exfoliants, like brushes, sponges, or scrubs, physically remove dead skin and flakes. However, they can be harsh on dry or sensitive skin. If your skin is dry, experts suggest using a gentle chemical exfoliant instead. 

The number of times you need to exfoliate depends on the skin type. People with dry skin may only need to exfoliate once or twice a week, as over-exfoliating can lead to irritation. 

• Stay clear from irritants:

Irritants can cause dry skin by removing its natural oils and moisture. To avoid them, follow these tips based on the specific irritant you’re dealing with:

• Apply sunscreen for protection
• Choose scent-free soaps and detergents
• When using clean products make sure to wear gloves

How long can skin peeling take to recover naturally?

If your skin is peeling due to cold weather or exposure to an irritant, it should improve within a few days if you avoid the irritant and use home treatments. However, if an underlying medical condition is causing the peeling, it may take several weeks to heal. The right prescription treatment can help speed up the healing process. 

Important Takeaway:

Peeling skin can make you feel self-conscious, and there are many possible causes. That’s why it is important to see the best dermatologist in Coimbatore who can assess your symptoms and run tests if needed to find the root cause. This helps ensure you get the right treatment to stop the peeling.