What Causes Peeling Of Skin On Hand?

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 Answered on

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
I am XXXXXXX 33 yrs old male. I see that my skin on hand (especially in fingers) getting peeled off. This has happened many times in my life time, but this time it is little severe. I have attached photographs for your view. It would be helpful if you can explain this phenomenon and the reason for the same.

Thanks and Regards,
XXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Peeling of the skin ? Allergic dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXX Hi
Good evening!

I can understand your concern.

After having gone through the history and the uploaded pictures, I am of the opinion that you have loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis) on the fingers of both the hands.

Peeling of the skin may be caused by a number of conditions like direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. It may also be due to some allergic reaction like due to soaps, scented perfumes or the chemicals you accidentally exposed to.

Following measures are useful in the treatment and prevention of your problem:

1. Avoid the known allergic soap or scented perfume
2. Apply a hydrocortisone containing cream on the affected area
3. Take multivitamin tablets
4. Eat Vitamin C rich fruits such as orange, lemon, lime, etc
5. Take plenty of oral fluids so that the skin gets hydrated.

Hope the suggestions given above could of use in getting ride of this problem.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj