Peeling Skin on Fingers and Palms: Why It Peels

Skin on fingers and palms comes off in thin flakes, peels along the edge of the fingertips or in whole patches on the palm. It looks different: dry scales, small cracks, and sometimes marks from burst blisters. Below — about why this happens and how serious it is.

Why skin peels on fingers

Peeling is always detachment of the upper layer of skin. It can come off after an inflammatory process has occurred underneath or blisters with fluid have burst. In dyshidrosis, also called pompholyx, itching first appears, sometimes with burning or tingling, followed by fluid-filled blisters. They itch intensely and may ooze. When the blisters disappear, the skin becomes dry, cracked, and painful, sometimes bleeding. Most often this affects fingers and palms, less often the feet and toes. On darker skin, the blisters may look darker.

Peeling skin on palms: common causes

The exact cause of pompholyx is not established. Among the factors linked to symptoms in some people are contact with strong chemicals: soap, cleansers, washing powders. Allergy or sensitivity to metals, such as nickel and cobalt, plays a role. Flare-ups are triggered by regular contact of the hands with water — for example, in hairdressers — as well as stress, heat, and sweat. Eczema in general, or dermatitis, combines several types of skin inflammation; most of them cause dry, itchy skin and a rash on the hands and feet. The cause of eczema is unknown; genetic and external factors are probably combined. The course can be fluctuating, but is often long-lasting.

Dyshidrosis, dermatitis, and eczema: how they manifest on the hands

Dyshidrosis runs in episodes: a few hours after acute itching, bright pink blisters appear on the skin, most severely on the palms, soles, sides of the hands, and fingers. After about two weeks, the affected skin begins to peel painfully and come off, and secondary infection is possible in this phase. An episode of pompholyx usually lasts 2–3 weeks. In eczema, the skin on the hands dries out and is easily irritated; scratching intensifies redness, swelling, and itching. Eczema is not contagious.

Dyshidrosis and other diseases in which skin peels off

Not only eczema and dyshidrosis produce a similar picture. Painful itchy areas or blisters on the hands and feet occur in psoriasis and fungal infections, including ringworm and foot fungus. Peeling and shedding of skin may be a symptom of scarlet fever, so in an unclear picture, differential diagnosis is performed. You should not diagnose yourself: for any skin changes that cause concern, consult a doctor.

When peeling skin on the hands requires examination

A reason to visit a doctor is suspected pompholyx or any other skin change that is worrying. Separately — signs of added infection: blisters are very painful, discharge yellow or green pus, or are covered with a yellow-brown crust. A doctor can assess the condition and, if necessary, refer to a dermatologist.

• blisters with pus or a yellow-brown crust;
• severe pain in the area of the rash;
• other skin changes that cause concern.

Peeling skin on the hands by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Numbers 103 or 112 — if signs of a life-threatening condition appear, such as sudden severe weakness or loss of consciousness.

How the cause of peeling is diagnosed

The diagnosis is based on examination and differential diagnosis, since peeling and shedding of skin occur in various diseases. The doctor may assess the body's allergic sensitization and the state of the gastrointestinal tract, and in persistent or severe symptoms refer to a dermatologist. If necessary, the specialist recommends additional examinations and monitors the course of the disease.

This material is for reference: it helps to understand the picture but does not replace consultation with a doctor who sees your skin up close.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer