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What Causes Peeling Of The Skin From The Hands?
Question: Starting about 2 weeks ago, after helping my friend move, the skin on my fingers (both hands) started peeling, but they haven't stopped peeling. There is no pain in the skin or the fingers themselves, no swelling either. Whenever I get my hands wet, it seems to bring on more peeling. I don't use hand lotion or skin conditioners, and have not had this problem before. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
Harmless peeling of skin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
Peeling of the skin from the hands can occur due to various reasons. The most common cause is the development of any skin allergy due to contact with any allergy causing agents especially chemicals, oils or even irritant detergents or utensil washers.
But the peeling of skin due to an allergic process is always associated with severe itching or pain along with redness of skin.
Since in your case, there is no discomfort, so the most likely cause in your case seems to be keratolysis exfoliativa.
Now this is basically a harmless skin condition in which there is very fine peeling of the palmar skin . It is not associated with any discomfort.
Application of any moisturising lotion two to three times a day is usually sufficient. This is a self limiting skin problem and tends to settle by itself in few weeks.
You can always search the Internet for this problem and see if your symptoms are similar.
However, if you feel your problem is different, then you can click some close up pictures of the affected area and upload them here on this page. I would like to have a look at the exact skin condition.
Dr Geetika XXXXXXX
Harmless peeling of skin
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
Peeling of the skin from the hands can occur due to various reasons. The most common cause is the development of any skin allergy due to contact with any allergy causing agents especially chemicals, oils or even irritant detergents or utensil washers.
But the peeling of skin due to an allergic process is always associated with severe itching or pain along with redness of skin.
Since in your case, there is no discomfort, so the most likely cause in your case seems to be keratolysis exfoliativa.
Now this is basically a harmless skin condition in which there is very fine peeling of the palmar skin . It is not associated with any discomfort.
Application of any moisturising lotion two to three times a day is usually sufficient. This is a self limiting skin problem and tends to settle by itself in few weeks.
You can always search the Internet for this problem and see if your symptoms are similar.
However, if you feel your problem is different, then you can click some close up pictures of the affected area and upload them here on this page. I would like to have a look at the exact skin condition.
Dr Geetika XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX Your description of Keratolysis exfoliativa and the pictures I see on Google seem to match what I am experiencing. I guess I'll wait until the summer ends and see if the drier air makes any difference. If need be, could I wear latex gloves in the shower to keep my hands dry?
Brief Answer:
Self limiting problem, will heal soon
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Well. I would not really recommend that you should cover your hands while taking a bath.
It would not really make it any better.
Just apply a good moisturising lotion immediately after bath.
Avoid drying your hands too much.
This problem will slowly settle on its own.
Dr Geetika XXXXXXX
Self limiting problem, will heal soon
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Well. I would not really recommend that you should cover your hands while taking a bath.
It would not really make it any better.
Just apply a good moisturising lotion immediately after bath.
Avoid drying your hands too much.
This problem will slowly settle on its own.
Dr Geetika XXXXXXX
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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