Seeing skin peeling on your fingers can be worrying. If itching, burning or pain accompanies this symptom, it could be caused by an allergy or typical skin condition like eczema. If peeling is the only symptom, it’s possible that finger sucking or costs excessive time in water is the cause. If the problem continues for a number of days or is chronic, a dermatologist can identify the condition and prescribe a treatment or medication.
Finger Sucking
Peeling skin on digits is not unusual to see on babies and toddlers who self-soothe with finger sucking, according to Alan Rockoff, a skin doctor from Brookline, Massachusetts. For children who have this condition, the skin will start peeling from the top of the finger to about halfway down– usually the part of the finger that spends the most time in the child’s wet mouth. The condition will clear once the child stops sucking his finger, but up until then, it could be a repeating issue. The child, however, more than likely feels no pain.
Allergic Reactions
Not to be confused with irritants like solvents and detergents, irritants are items that do not typically produce a response in most other individuals. Nickel from precious jewelry is one recognized irritant that can aggravate skin and cause peeling. Latex (rubber items) is another typical skin irritant. People allergic to latex should avoid rubber gloves as well as some shoes.
Hand Eczema
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explains eczema as “the itch that rashes.” It is defined by peeling, irregular, red, scaly skin. Hand eczema can be caused by chemical irritants, trauma and managing paper. For those who have chronic hand eczema, doing these things can exacerbate their condition and the probability of establishing other skin issues is increased.
It can take months for hand eczema to clear and it is not unusual for it to hinder normal activities. The AAD advises protecting hands versus soaps and cleansers and use gloves in winter. A skin specialist can advise an item to keep hands moisturized.
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is an inherited condition that affects about 40 percent of Americans, according to the AAD. Skin can develop a texture like sandpaper and can be itchy during cold weather and in environments with low humidity, like Arizona. The AAD suggests using ointments consisting of lactic acid or urea, or using topical retinoids. The online Keratosis Pilaris Community reports that treatments as varied as sun tanning, laser treatments and avoiding specific foods can clear a flare-up.
Bottom line
Peeling skin is unexpected damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis). Peeling skin may take place since of direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. It might likewise suggest a body immune system disorder or other disease.
Rash, itching, dryness and other irritating skin issues may accompany peeling skin on fingers.
Because a variety of conditions– some really severe — can cause peeling skin, it’s crucial to get a timely diagnosis.
