Peeling Skin on Fingers

Finger Sucking

The issue of peeling skin is quite common in babies or toddlers who suck their finger for self-soothing. The skin is more likely to peel from the top of the finger and it will go halfway down or to the part of the finger that stays within a child's moist mouth. If the kid stops sucking fingers, this issue will disappear but before then peeling fingers will keep occurring. Even so the kids may not feel any discomfort.

Hand Eczema

If your itching is accompanied by rashes, it may be due to eczema. You will also witness patchy, peeling, red, scaly skin, which is usually caused by trauma, chemical irritants and handling paper. It may take several months to recover from hand eczema completely. You should try to protect your hands from cleaners and soaps, and wear a pair of gloves for protection in cold weather.

Keratosis

Your peeling skin on fingers could be caused by a condition called Keratosis that affects more than 40% of Americans. You will notice your skin have a texture like sandpaper and experience severe itching during cold weather.

Using ointments containing urea or lactic acid may help with this situation. Other remedies include laser treatment, sun tanning or avoiding specific foods.

Environmental Factors

Too much sun exposure and cold, dry weather can robe your skin of moisture causing peeling skin on fingers. Experts believe that your hands will always show the effects of your environment, so it will really help to wash hands frequently in winter months.

Medical Conditions

Several underlying medical conditions may also cause skin on your fingers to peel:

• Kawasaki disease affects children under the age 5 and can cause skin peeling on hands.

• Jock itch, athlete's foot, and other fungal infections can damage your skin and cause severe itching.

• Allergic reactions may also affect the skin on your fingers and hands. Severe sweating, washing dishes without gloves or wash your hands with harsh chemical and hot water may irritate your skin and cause peeling skin on the fingertips.

• Fungal infections can always be a cause of concern that usually begin with flaky skin surface and lead to severe peeling. A viral and bacterial infection may also irritate your skin and eventually cause peeling.

How to Deal With Peeling Skin on Fingers

Never cut your cuticles because they protect your nail's growth matrix by keeping dirt or bacteria at bay. Cutting will eliminate this protection layer and make you vulnerable to nail infections. You can however consider pushing them back instead of cutting them.

Moisturize Your Hands

During the day, be sure to use some moisturizing hand lotion. Pick one that absorbs in your skin quickly and doesn't make them feel greasy. Use a thicker cream at night for intense hydration. It is even better to wear wool or cotton gloves at night to ensure the ointment doesn't rub off on your bed sheet or clothes.

Soak in Warm Water

Soaking your hands in warm water for 10-12 minutes daily will help deal with peeling fingertips. This will ensure that the skin around your fingertips is supple and make the dry skin falls off during the process. You may add some lemon juice and honey to the warm water to make it even more effective. Apply vitamin E oil or some nice moisturizer after soaking.

Try Oats

You can use oats to treat your peeling fingertips. It helps remove dead skin cells from your fingers. You simply need to mix powdered oats in warm water – prepare this mixture in a large bowl. Then soak your fingers in this mixture for about 15 minutes. Wash your hands afterwards with clean water and use a soft cotton towel for drying. Use some good quality moisturizer for better effects.

Apply Essential Oil

Olive oil works as a moisturizing agent for your dry skin and simply soaking your fingers in warm olive oil will produce positive results. Be sure to heat some extra-virgin olive oil in a double boiler or microwave before using. You may consider adding a few drops of lavender essential oil for better effects. Rinse your hands afterwards using lukewarm water.

Try a Topical Antibacterial Ointment

For cracked and painful finger peeling, you'd better use a topical antibacterial ointment, like Neosporin. Be sure to apply a generous layer of ointment to your cuticles and cover them with a Band-Aid. Leave it overnight and remove in the morning to have better-looking cuticles.

Other Treatments for Peeling Skin on Fingers

You may also try some other tips, tricks and treatment options to prevent peeling skin on fingers. Here's what you can do:

• Don't put fingers in your mouth and avoid biting your nails.

• Provide extra protection or moisturizing in cold weather to avoid drying out your hands.

• Don't wash dishes in hot, soapy water for extended hours and wear rubber gloves for protection.

• A little rubbing on your cuticles is fine and can provide some relief until you get some hand cream.

• Try a hot wax treatment to make your nails, cuticles, and hands look better.