Dr. Natalie Carlton, Dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, says, “Skin peeling is a typical side effect a few days after sunburn. Sunburns can be quite uncomfortable and may not heal for several days or even a week. However, you can soothe them by moisturizing the afflicted areas and administering cold compresses as it heals.” These are a few of the various factors that cause skin peeling on fingertips:
1. Frequent Hand Washing
Washing your hands too frequently may lead to skin peeling. It increases skin dryness and roughness. It may also damage the lipid barrier of the skin. Using hot water and rough paper towels can also result in dry and itchy hands. Solution Apply a moisturizer or hand cream after washing your hands to prevent skin dryness and peeling (1). Use a mild soap and lukewarm or cold water to wash your hands. Pat your skin dry after washing instead of wiping with a towel.
2. Weather Changes
Cold weather can lead to skin issues. Weather changes and excessive sunlight exposure can also lead to the peeling of the skin. Solution Use emollient creams for dry and sensitive skin. Also, avoid taking hot showers and wearing tight clothes.
3. Using Harsh Chemicals
Using products that contain harsh chemicals may affect your skin, causing fingertip peeling. Soaps, sanitizers, deodorants, antibacterial ointments, etc., can contain harsh chemicals. Avoid using these products unnecessarily if you have dry skin, as they may cause irritation and itching. Solution Avoid using products with artificial fragrances and preservatives. If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before using any new products.
4. Sucking Fingers
Finger-sucking and chewing on the fingertips may cause skin peeling. Some infants, or even adults, may have this habit. Saliva can over hydrate the skin and lead to skin peeling. Solution If your child sucks their fingers, consult a pediatrician and take their suggestion to control the issue.
5. Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction may lead to skin irritation and peeling. Avoid products made from ingredients that do not suit your skin. Gloves made from latex are one such example of an allergen that leads to skin irritation (2). Solution Identify your allergies and be careful while trying out new products. Also, avoid wearing inexpensive jewelry or latex gloves to reduce skin peeling. Consult a doctor if you experience severe irritation or rashes.
6. Vitamin Deficiency
Lack of vitamin B3 or niacin may lead to skin peeling. It may also lead to pellagra, which causes inflammation and scaly skin (4). Vitamin B3 is essential for good skin health (3). It improves skin moisturization and barrier function. Solution Consume niacin-rich foods like bran, eggs, peanut, poultry, fish, whole-grain cereals, and legumes (5). Children may take 6-12 mg per day, while adults require 14-16 mg per day (6). You may consult your doctor before increasing your niacin intake.
7. Hand Eczema
Eczema causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It can be caused by genetics, allergens, and environmental factors. Contact allergens and climatic conditions cause hand eczema. In addition, harmful chemicals, soaps, and dry weather may trigger an eczema flare-up (7). Solution Avoid using products that contain harmful chemicals. Moisturize your hands frequently, especially after a shower. Avoid using hot water to wash your hands. Consult a doctor if you experience itching or redness.
8. Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes red, scaly, crusty patches on the skin. It may also lead to skin peeling. Usually, psoriasis occurs on the elbows, knees, and lower back. However, it can occur anywhere on your body, even on the fingertips. Solution Though there is no cure for psoriasis, you can improve the symptoms through topical treatments like ointments and creams (8). In severe cases, your doctor may recommend phototherapy.
9. Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease usually occurs in children under the age of 5. Redness, skin inflammation, and fever are its symptoms. Once the fever subsides, the child’s skin may peel off. Solution Always consult a doctor if you notice these symptoms in your child. Children can recover from this disease within 6 to 8 weeks if treated in time (9).
10. Exfoliative Keratolysis
This condition causes the skin to appear scaly, dry, and red and eventually peel. Using irritating soaps and cleansers can cause cracks in the skin. This disorder is linked to the disruption in the structure of the stratum corneum (10). Solution Use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. However, consult a doctor to learn more about the treatment options available. Apart from these solutions, there are also home remedies that may help you soothe the skin. Read on to find more about it.
Home Remedies For Peeling Fingertips
Dry skin conditions can be treated by moisturizing and hydrating the skin. Many home remedies help you do so.
1. Honey
Honey is a natural emollient and humectant. It soothes and heals the skin from conditions like psoriasis (11). It may help treat fingertip peeling as well. What To Do
2. Milk
Milk increases hydration and helps restore the skin barrier function (12). Soaking your fingers in milk may be a good remedy for skin peeling. What To Do
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera acts against skin dehydration. It soothes the skin and helps manage wound healing. It also treats the pain and discomfort caused by peeling (13). What To Do
4. Petroleum Jelly
The occlusive properties of petroleum jelly help lock moisture in the skin and improve barrier function (14). Thus, it may help hydrate the skin and speed up the healing of fingertip peeling. What To Do
5. Natural Plant Oils
Most of the plant oils hydrate the skin and improve wound healing (15). Regular use of coconut oil, almond oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil may improve peeling skin. What To Do In some cases, natural remedies will not be enough to heal fingertip peeling. Find out what to do in this case and when to consult a doctor.
When Should You Consult A Doctor?
A mild case of fingertip peeling can be treated with home remedies and moisturizers. However, it may worsen due to other underlying medical conditions. Dr. Gonzales suggests seeking professional help is better if the fingertip peeling does not improve after a week of proper care. “You should see your doctor if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or intense pain, as this may indicate other serious medical issues,” she says. If left untreated for long, the affected area may get infected. So, it is better to get it diagnosed and take proper treatment. Your doctor may prescribe the following medications:
Ointments Antibiotics Antihistamines
Check out the next section for some tips to prevent fingertip peeling.
How To Prevent Fingertip Peeling
Keep your skin moisturized. Apply moisturizing creams at least twice a day. Avoid taking hot water showers as it may dry out your skin. You may use lukewarm water for washing your hands and bathing. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a rough towel. Avoid using products with harsh chemicals. Consume foods that are rich in vitamins B3 and B7. Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water may help hydrate your skin.
Is it normal for your fingertips to peel? Yes, it is not unusual for the skin on your fingertips to peel. Mild peeling can be addressed with simple home remedies. However, if the peeling persists for a week, consult your doctor. How do you get rid of peeling skin overnight? You cannot get rid of peeling skin overnight. You can try simple remedies such as using petroleum jelly and staying hydrated to help reduce peeling.
