The reasons why the skin between the fingers peels can be allergic reactions, vitamin deficiency, and various dermatological diseases. Bad weather conditions provoke dry skin, causing it to become red and rough.
Improper care can also cause deterioration of the epidermis. Prolonged contact with household chemicals and other aggressive substances causes peeling.
If itching and rashes are added to the aesthetic problem, there is no need to postpone a visit to the dermatologist. Since it can be eczema, scabies, lichen, dermatitis.
Why does the skin on my hands peel off?
Peeling of the skin can be seasonal or constant, depending on the factors influencing the condition of the skin.
The main reasons include:
- Reduced protective properties of the body.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Damage to the skin by chemical agents.
- Prolonged stress.
- The influence of low temperatures in winter.
- Genetic factor.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules.
- Reaction to medication.
- Insufficient vitamin intake.
Peeling of the skin can occur due to exposure to various allergen irritants that cause allergic reactions.
Weak immunity
Poor, unbalanced nutrition leads to weakened immunity and causes a sharp lack of vitamins in the body. The body is unable to provide the cells of epidermal tissues with the necessary amount of moisture, so the skin daily exhausts its resources when in contact with objects of the surrounding world.
The body must receive vitamins A and E in the required quantities, since they are responsible for:
- skin condition;
- its elasticity;
- nutrition of the integument.
Against the background of reduced immunity, the body does not have enough internal strength to combat the influence of aggressive factors on the skin of the hands.
Symptoms of fungus on hands
Mycosis is one of the most common infectious skin diseases, which appears due to the entry and reproduction of various fungi on the epidermis. Their favorite location is the nail plates and folds between the fingers.
Initially, the disease most often manifests itself as severe itching, especially after a shower, and a painful change in the edge of one of the nails. Subsequently, this nail thickens, becomes dull and becomes brittle. Palms may become sweaty.
Treatment of mycosis is a long and painstaking process that requires systematic medical supervision and patient discipline of the patient.
The next stage in the development of mycosis is the appearance of spots and islands of different sizes and colors on the skin of the hands. The color of this rash can be different: pale pink or bluish.
The affected skin begins to peel off, become wet, and very painful cracks form on it. The fungus exfoliates the nail plates, they become brittle and acquire a yellow color, which later turns into blue.
People with this diagnosis are deprived of a full life. One should not overlook minor, at first glance, small skin disorders, redness and peeling that occurs between the fingers.
Treatment of mycosis is a long and painstaking process that requires systematic medical supervision and patient discipline of the patient.
Carefully! This disease is easy to catch. It is transmitted both from person to person and through contact with infected animals.
Hormonal imbalance in adults
The skin on your fingers can peel due to the influence of hormones. Any hormonal imbalance can lead to dryness and cracking of the skin.
The causes of excess or deficiency of certain hormones may be:
- The onset of menopause.
- Taking hormone-based medications.
- Wrong lifestyle.
- Defective functioning of the endocrine system.
To get rid of the problem as quickly as possible, the level of hormones should be restored, the content of which in the body should correspond to normal levels.
Chemical damage
The active use of household chemicals has become commonplace in everyday life. In close contact with skin, especially sensitive skin, various chemical cleaning agents can lead to irritation, redness, and changes in the structure of the skin.
Itching and small pimples can burst when scratched and then the skin begins to peel off.
To prevent the problem, it is recommended to use special gloves that will protect the skin in direct contact with chemicals.
If the skin on your fingers peels off, this may be due to household cleaning products. In this case, you need to use gloves for protection.
If possible, you should use more natural products (soda-containing). Some household chemicals are very aggressive and can cause burns.
Skin allergies
If your hands itch, it is quite possible that it is an allergy. This disease is not infectious. This is how the immune system reacts to the appearance of an unwanted element in the body and tries to fight it.
A rapid release of histamine occurs, the blood vessels begin to dilate, the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, a rash forms, and sometimes blisters and swelling.
Skin allergies can begin with normal dry skin between the fingers
But it can all start with ordinary dry skin between the fingers, which the patient, as well as redness and peeling, may not pay attention to. Treatment of this disease is associated with the difficulty of identifying allergens.
Here is a partial list of substances that can cause allergic skin rashes:
- plant pollen;
- Food;
- nutritional supplements;
- pet fur;
- perfume and household chemicals;
- bites of some insects;
- medications;
- Construction Materials.
Skin allergies include urticaria, in which a bright pink rash 10-15 cm in size appears. It often goes away quickly, but other symptoms, such as severe itching, fever, weakness, remain.
Important to remember! Allergic irritations can be eliminated if agents to which the body is overly susceptible are quickly identified.
Stress
The full functioning of the body largely depends on the nervous and psychological state. Under the influence of stress, a person loses vitality and energy necessary to ensure the functioning of all organs and systems. Constant overexertion leads to deterioration of the condition of nails, hair and skin.
Full functioning of the nervous system ensures normal production of hormones, otherwise the functioning of the body is disrupted. Peeling skin on the hands is one of the possible symptoms of prolonged psychological stress. In most cases, after eliminating the irritation and gaining psychological peace, this symptom goes away completely.
Frostbite
The skin on the fingers also peels due to the negative effects of wind and low temperatures, especially in winter. When the ambient temperature drops to low levels, the vessels narrow, and as a result, the supply of nutrients and moisture cannot be fully realized.
The epidermal cells are not saturated with useful substances, for this reason they begin to die.
Dry skin and lack of moisture leads to skin damage and further peeling. Against the background of this process, painful cracks may appear that will interfere with the full functioning of the hands. To prevent frostbite from occurring, you should protect the skin of your hands from the influence of negative external factors: wear gloves and keep your hands warm if possible.
Causes of the disease
The causes of peeling on the hands can be:
- Poor quality hand care. You should not use only one cream. The fact is that by the age of 25, aging processes appear in the human body, and the epidermis on the hands begins to dehydrate. Comprehensive regular care, consisting of cleansing, nutrition and hydration, compensates for the lack of nutrients and vitamins.
- Frequent changes in weather conditions. Winter sharp temperature changes have a particularly negative effect on the skin, and dry air from heated rooms is added to them. In autumn and winter, the skin of your hands should be given maximum attention.
- Ultraviolet rays, which negatively affect the natural balance of the skin.
- Excess moisture causes redness and peeling to appear between the fingers. In this case, treatment must begin by limiting contact with water.
- Small amounts of nutrients in the body and vitamins, for example, A or E. We are already talking about vitamin deficiency, which is especially aggravated in spring and autumn.
Small amounts of nutrients and vitamins in the body can also cause skin problems - Contact without protective equipment with aggressive media, household chemicals, very chlorinated or hard water.
- Skin allergies that require appropriate examination to identify the allergen.
- Some diseases , including:
- dermatological, which most often manifest themselves as allergies, fungus, eczema, dermatitis and others;
- metabolic disease;
- diseases of internal organs;
- problems of the immune system, hormonal imbalance.
All of the above proves the existence of a colossal, systematic risk to which women’s hands are exposed. And if you continue to ignore the redness and peeling between your fingers, skin treatment can be long and difficult.
To prevent irritation on the hands from entering a chronic stage, it is important not to waste time. And it wouldn’t hurt to get acquainted with the symptoms of common epidermal diseases.
Genetic predisposition in a child
Genetic predisposition is one of the most common causes of peeling and peeling skin on the hands. Every person has a certain skin type. Decreased sebum production causes increased sensitivity, which causes constant dryness.
Dry skin in this case will require increased care, which consists of the correct selection of gentle hygiene products and constant moisturizing with lotions and creams. The use of alcohol-containing products for this skin type is undesirable.
Diagnostic research methods
In most cases, an external examination by a dermatologist is sufficient to make a diagnosis. If allergic dermatitis is suspected, a sensitivity test to possible allergens is performed.
If you suspect a fungal infection, you need to determine its type.
If a fungus is suspected, it is necessary to determine the type of pathogen. To do this, skin scraping is done for bacteriological analysis. As an additional analysis, a test for antibodies to fungi is prescribed.
Fungal skin infections have characteristic symptoms:
- initially, bubbles appear between the fingers;
- the skin in this place begins to swell;
- bubbles turn into erosions and become covered with a white coating;
- over time, the ulcers form shallow cracks;
- Bursting skin due to fungal infections causes severe pain.
If an allergic or fungal origin of the cracks is excluded, an analysis for the presence of helminths, a biochemical blood test, and an examination of the endocrine organs and digestive tract are prescribed.
Psoriasis will be indicated by the appearance of red calluses that become covered with cracks. The skin at the site of the lesion is rough and dense. To avoid confusing psoriasis with eczema or fungus, a biopsy is used.
Characteristic signs help to diagnose interdigital eczema: intense night itching that prevents the patient from falling asleep and weeping erosions.
Poor hygiene
In close contact with the ground or construction mixtures, the skin of the hands is damaged and irritated. The appearance of microcracks and injuries lead to peeling of the top layer of skin not only on the fingers, but also on the palms. The reason lies not only in prolonged contact of hands with dirty materials, but also in poor quality skin cleansing.
Ignoring general hygiene rules is just as dangerous as overusing cleaning products. In the first case, this can lead to skin infections, and in the second, it can lead to allergic reactions and additional dryness from using soap.
Reaction to medications
When taking antibiotics and hormonal drugs, especially on a long-term basis, it is worth considering the occurrence of possible adverse reactions. Peeling and flaking of the skin is one of these consequences.
Before starting to use any medicine, you should read the instructions that come with the drug. If it is not possible to cancel treatment, then after stopping treatment the skin should be given time to recover on its own.
Eczema as a cause of cracks between the fingers
It is worth starting treatment for eczema between the fingers as soon as possible, otherwise the outbreak of the disease will spread to the entire palm. After identifying eczema, it is advisable to cover your hands from direct sunlight, which contributes to the spread of the disease to healthy areas of the skin.
Cracks on your hands can be sprinkled with talc
At the initial stage, cracks between the fingers can be sprinkled with talcum powder or baby powder. An eczematous rash causes severe itching, so patients must be prescribed antihistamines. With chronic eczema, the cracks become very deep and extremely painful.
To heal cracks between the fingers, topical products are used:
- Boron-zinc paste
- Naftalan ointment
- Zinc ointments
- Silver nitrate solution
- 0.1% copper solution
- 5% diphenhydramine paste
Eczema that is stubbornly resistant to treatment can be treated with corticosteroid hormonal creams (Skin-cap, Celestoderm, Elokom). If the eczema is microbial, dermatologists prefer to prescribe drugs in combination with an antiseptic or antimycotic (Trimistin, Travocort).
In addition to topical use, it is necessary to use immunomodulators and vitamin complexes; sometimes it is advisable to take enterosorbents to reduce intoxication and sedatives.
What diseases does the symptom cause?
The skin on the fingers also peels due to progressive skin diseases.
These symptoms include the following pathologies:
- Scabies.
- Dermatitis in the form of a certain reaction to irritants. It can be contact and toxicermic, in which the irritant gets under the skin.
- Eczema, which consists of severe itching and small dry blisters on the skin.
- Psoriasis, in which red spots spread and cracks form in the folds.
- An allergy in which the irritant can be an external or internal allergen.
- Fungal diseases.
- Lack of vitamins.
Any disease must be diagnosed by a doctor who will conduct an examination and study the patient’s test results.
Scabies
The disease is contagious and is caused by the scabies mite. In addition to itching and rash, inflammatory lesions appear between the fingers, on the palms and hands. When scratching and infection gets into micro-traumatized areas, further infection may occur.
You can minimize the likelihood of contracting scabies by making sure you clean your hands after visiting places with a lot of people.
Eczema
With eczema, inflammation of the surface layers of the skin occurs with the further appearance of small blisters in large quantities. With the dry type of the disease, the skin begins to crack, which leads to further peeling.
The appearance of such a disease can be caused by a sharp decrease in immunity or hormonal disorders.
Allergy
Allergies, regardless of a person’s age, can lead to disruption of skin nutrition. Constant contact with the allergen provokes dryness and flaking, which subsequently leads to peeling skin. Allergens can be washing powder, soap, cosmetics, pollen, dust, wool.
You can restore normal skin condition by avoiding the use of products that cause an adverse reaction and taking antiallergic medications to speed up the recovery process.
Fungus on fingers and palms
Fungal infections provoke the appearance of an unpleasant odor, yellowing and deterioration of the structure of the nail plate, itching and peeling. The fungal disease can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, and in advanced cases it is difficult to treat.
Fungal spores can quickly spread throughout the human body, so if unpleasant symptoms appear in the form of itching, ulcers and microcracks, you should consult a doctor to prescribe comprehensive treatment.
Vitamin deficiency
A lack of vitamins adversely affects the functioning of all systems in the human body. The inability of the sebaceous glands to function properly, dehydration, and lack of vitality cause deterioration in the condition of the skin.
With a lack of vitamins A, C, E, the skin loses its elasticity, the water balance is disturbed, and skin renewal slows down. The occurrence of dryness and flaking in this case is inevitable. To maintain a sufficient level of beneficial microelements in the body, you should adhere to a balanced diet and, if necessary, take additional vitamin complexes.
Symptoms of the disease
In addition to the fact that cracks form between the fingers, there are other symptoms:
- Candidiasis and dermatophytosis are manifested by severe itching, peeling, swelling of the fingers, and rash;
- Contact dermatitis is sometimes similar to a fungal disease, as the skin swells, rashes and cracks appear;
- Eczema is one of the main causes of cracks, itching and irritation;
- Psoriasis of the palms looks like plaque formations localized between the fingers on the palms. Itching, peeling, redness also indicate this disease.
Regardless of the causes and symptoms, the disease must be treated. The resulting cracks can be attacked by infection, and this will lead to infection of the deep layers of the epidermis, which will provoke more serious pathologies.
How to treat skin on hands
The skin on the fingers peels off for various reasons, which are not always possible to identify on your own. When the first signs of peeling, blistering, microcracks or itching appear, you should immediately visit a dermatologist.
The specialist will conduct an examination:
- initial examination;
- dermatoscopy;
- study of bacteriological flora.
Based on the detected pathology, the doctor will formulate an individual therapeutic course aimed at eliminating the root cause of skin peeling.
Folk remedies: recipes, application diagram
Traditional medicine is a proven way to restore the elasticity of the skin of the hands.
Of all the known recipes, the most effective ones can be identified:
- Daily intake of gelatin in the amount of 1 tsp. 3 times a day will enrich the body with collagen.
- Vitamin mixture of 2 tsp. honey with the addition of vitamins A and E in liquid form is applied to the hands for 30 minutes. For a more pronounced effect, you can wear medical gloves after applying the mixture.
Before using home remedies, you should understand that these methods will only help relieve symptoms and help improve the appearance of the skin.
Oral medications: list, instructions
The selection of medications should be carried out by a dermatologist after identifying the cause of loss of skin elasticity and the appearance of dryness. Among oral medications, you should use those that promote the production of collagen and elastin, restoring the level of natural hydration/
Here is the list:
- "Collagen forte" is a dietary supplement and is taken 1 tablet. morning and evening during meals.
- "Kolagen Activ plus" in the form of citrus flavored chewable tablets. Take between meals twice a day.
- “Omega-3” – saturates the body with useful microelements and helps improve immunity. Administration should be carried out according to the instructions, depending on the chosen dosage.
The drugs help increase skin turgor, slow down the processes of aging and fading, and help stabilize hormonal levels. It should be remembered that if the peeling condition lasts for a long time, you should consult a doctor. Self-medication can only aggravate the problem and make the disease chronic.
Or maybe it's dermatitis?
This disease is characterized by vivid symptoms: itching, rashes on the palms, forearms, wrists, and redness and peeling between the fingers. Treatment of dermatitis, which has several types, is a rather multi-stage and difficult process.
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The causes of this disease are very diverse:
- contact with the environment (contact dermatitis);
- exposure to allergenic substances that enter the body from food, medicine, dust, etc. (allergic dermatitis);
- poor heredity or general decline in immunity (atopic dermatitis).
This disease is characterized by vivid symptoms: itching, rashes on the palms, forearms, wrists, and redness and peeling between the fingers.
Often with dermatitis, as a result of scratching or bursting skin, the infection penetrates through wounds into the blood. This entails serious consequences for the entire body and can cause a general decline in immunity and further spread of the disease throughout the body.
It must be emphasized that if any of the above symptoms appear, be it itching, redness or peeling between the fingers, a mandatory consultation with a dermatologist is required.
Treatment is most effective when the patient sees a doctor on time, time is not wasted and treatment procedures are carried out regularly.
Cosmetology products: names of the best products, characteristics
The skin on the fingers sometimes peels due to the use of a cosmetic product that is not suitable for this skin type. Special products whose active action is based on natural plant components in the composition have a beneficial effect on the skin.
Among the well-known brands are the following ointments and creams:
- Boro plus to restore the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
- Bepanten provides powerful hydration.
- Radevit – eliminates itching, has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Velours – cream for healing and intense hydration.
- Hydroactive - the active action of the cream is aimed at regenerating and protecting the skin.
Cosmetic products are convenient to use when it is not possible to use home methods using natural ingredients, and also as an additional method of eliminating the problem.
Oil wraps: rules for implementation
Cosmetic oils have a beneficial effect on the skin, saturating it with vitamins, softening and restoring elasticity.
For wraps you will need to mix the following oils in equal proportions:
- peach;
- linen;
- almond;
- wheat germ.
Any citrus oil can be used as an essential additive. The prepared mixture is applied to the skin for 30 minutes. and wrapped in film (can be replaced with cellophane gloves). Applying the cream after the procedure will further moisturize the skin of your hands.
What to do if the skin between your fingers is peeling
If peeling is accompanied by itching or rashes, consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. He will prescribe the tests necessary to identify the cause and select medications.
If your fingers itch or your skin peels off after contact with household chemicals, you need to take antihistamines and apply a soothing cream, such as Bora-Plus, to your skin.
Dryness and redness caused by weather factors can help remove protective creams or homemade masks and baths.
Pharmacy products
Peeling of the skin associated with dehydration or exposure to weather factors will help eliminate special creams. For example, “Bora-Total” or “Bora-plus”. They contain oils and extracts from medicinal plants, moisturize and nourish dry skin.
Clobaza cream will protect from wind or frost, restore the hydrolipid balance of the skin, and deeply moisturize it. It is recommended to apply the cream before going outside or after contact with water or household chemicals.
Peeling of the skin between the fingers is also counteracted by pharmaceutical cosmetics containing vitamins A, C, B, E, F. For example, Mustela brand products.
Cracks and peeling caused by dermatitis, eczema, mycotic skin lesions are treated under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Attention! Self-medication can lead to a chronic form of the disease.
Antihistamines such as Zyrtec and Suprastin are often prescribed to relieve itching. They are used in combination with external agents.
Mycotic diseases, depending on the type of fungus, are treated with Clatrimazole, Resorcinol, Miconazole and other drugs.
Dermatitis, eczema, and other diseases are treated with special ointments; in severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. Steroid ointments help relieve inflammation.
Homemade masks
If dry skin and flaking are not associated with dermatological diseases, then home recipes will relieve the problem.
Healing compresses and baths:
- Prepare a decoction of linden/sage/chamomile. Cool to a comfortable temperature. Immerse your hands in the infusion for 20-30 minutes. You can make compresses by soaking a soft cloth in the broth.
- Boil oatmeal for 5-10 minutes. Strain the liquid and cool to room temperature. Make lotions or baths. Exposure time 20 minutes.
- Prepare a decoction of nettle leaves (sold at the pharmacy). Pour into a dark glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. Wipe your hands with the infusion every day, two or three times a day. Can also be used for baths.
Homemade masks will help cure cracks in your hands between your fingers and eliminate peeling skin.
Popular recipes:
- Grind the zucchini pulp and mix in equal proportions with sour cream. You can add ground rolled oats or oatmeal, no more than 2 tablespoons.
- Dilute grated potatoes (pre-peeled) and honey with carrot juice. Apply the mask to problem skin on your hands.
- Soda scrub mask. Dilute two tablespoons of baking soda in a small amount of water. Apply to skin for 3 minutes, rinse. The procedure will be completed with a nourishing cream.
Important! Oil wraps effectively get rid of cracks and peeling.
Proven methods:
- Heat a little sunflower oil in a water bath. Apply it to your hands, put on cotton gloves, wool or any other insulated gloves on top. The duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. Then wash off the remaining oil with water.
- At night, you can apply a small amount of castor/sea buckthorn/rose oil to your hands. The product must be rubbed into the skin with massaging movements.
- The contents of a fish oil capsule are applied to your hands before going to bed. It can be replaced with "Aevit".
Recommendations from cosmetologists
Experts recommend not delaying contacting a doctor - the skin disease requires careful diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
For example, scabies or lichen progresses quickly. They require specific treatment. During this period, it is necessary to limit contact with other people, as the risk of infection is high.
Ringworm appears as a cool-colored spot on the arm; it may be flaky and have a “rim” of small papules. The basis of treatment is antifungal agents.
Scabies manifests itself as itching, redness, and the formation of small pimples-papules. It requires treating not only the hands, but the entire body with special preparations. It is also necessary to sanitize personal belongings, bedding, and premises using Apar-type products.
You can get rid of peeling and red cracks caused by non-diseases in a beauty salon. The following will be effective:
- peelings (ultrasonic, acid);
- paraffin therapy;
- masks, wraps with medicinal and nutritional compositions.
You can learn about one of the most popular hand beauty procedures here:
Baths: effective recipes
Regular use of hand baths significantly softens the skin and restores its structure.
Recipes for preparing baths are quite simple:
- Calendula and chamomile herbs should be poured with boiling water and left to brew for 30 minutes. After this, you need to add a few drops of liquid vitamin A and E to the decoction.
- 1 tbsp. starch is diluted in 1 liter of warm water.
You should steam your hands for about 15-20 minutes, and the procedures are performed every other day until complete recovery.
Prevention
If you constantly experience discomfort in the form of itching and peeling skin on your hands, you should ensure proper care:
- Replace cosmetics and household products with more gentle analogues.
- Clean your hands in warm water, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Use gloves when in contact with hazardous substances and materials.
- Use hand moisturizers in the form of creams or lotions.
- In winter, try to keep your hands warm.
- Provide a balanced diet.
The skin on the fingers may periodically peel and peel, without causing much discomfort and quickly returning to normal. If peeling continues for a long time, you should definitely consult a doctor who will help provide timely assistance and determine the cause of dryness.
Article design: Oleg Lozinsky
Prevention of the problem
Taking proper daily hand care can prevent redness and cracking of the skin.
- Wash your hands with mild, sulfate-free products.
- Do not rub wet hands and fingers, but blot them with a towel.
- Apply the cream at least twice a day - morning and evening.
- Use scrubs or peels, both store-bought and homemade, twice a week.
In summer, apply sunscreen to your hands to prevent burns. In winter and in windy weather, lubricate your hands with nourishing or protective creams to avoid chapping.
This is interesting! If the skin between your fingers itches or peels during cold periods, this may be an allergic reaction to low temperatures.
Direct contact with household chemicals should be reduced - wear gloves. It is better if they are made of latex and with a cotton lining.
Before excavation work, apply a protective cream with glycerin and wear cloth gloves.
A balanced diet with a sufficient amount of vitamins, micro and macroelements will prevent skin flaking. At the end of winter, take a course of multivitamins.
Local antiseptic solutions, which can be purchased at the pharmacy, will help to avoid fungal infection. Wipe your hands with them after contact with handrails in public transport, or door handles in stores.
