Skin Peeling - Causes and Treatments

Skin peeling may be minor and temporary or may be continuous, indicating a serious disorder. There can be many reasons for peeling skin such as sunburn, an allergic reaction, dry skin and injuries. In the case of continuous skin peeling syndrome, the cause may even be hereditary. Treatments range from home remedies for minor skin peeling due to dry skin, skin creams or lotions, to prolonged consultation and cure through dermatologists. This article analyses comprehensively the symptoms and disorders associated with skin peeling and takes a look at treatments and preventive steps.

The Epidermis and Skin Peeling

Skin peeling involves the shedding of the damaged upper layers of skin known as epidermis. Skin peeling is seen as a natural healing process in itself, where the damaged upper layers of skin are slowly replaced. Dermatologists, who specialise in the study and treatment of skin-related disorders, consider minor skin peeling symptoms as temporary and harmless, which invariably heals on its own and goes away after a few days.

Skin Peeling on Hands and Fingertip Skin Peeling

Skin peeling on hands, especially skin peeling on palms is quite common. Fingertip skin peeling is also a frequent occurrence. Skin peeling on hands may be caused by many factors. Let's look at some factors and scenarios, which may lead to skin peeling on hands, palms and fingertips.

• Allergic reaction leading to skin peeling on palms - If a person is allergic to some chemical such as household cleaning solution or cosmetics, a rash and skin peeling may ensue. This means that for some people, skin peeling on palms and fingertips can be caused even as a result of daily work such as washing dishes with chemical dishwashing solutions or using furniture polish. Skin peeling on palms can also be caused by an allergic reaction to specific hand creams and lotions.
• Peeling Dry Skin - Lack of moisture in the skin is also a major cause of skin peeling. Dry skin, while being a cause of skin peeling, is itself caused by different weather conditions, lack of sufficient liquid intake by affected people, soaps and contact with harsh chemicals.
• Skin peeling due to Sunburn - Due to excessive exposure to harsh rays of the sun, the skin cells on the upper layers of the skin gets damaged or sunburnt. The body then begins to shed the damaged cells, paving the way for new skin cells to take its place. This takes place in the form of skin peeling. This skin peeling in cases of sun burn is itself an important natural healing process.
• Infections leading to skin peeling on hands - Fungal infections can also cause skin peeling on hands and palms, especially between fingers or toes.
• Rough work by hands - Manual heavy and rough work can also cause skin peeling on hands, fingertips and palms. That's why activities such as cleaning using bare hands and manual labour work may induce skin peeling.

Feet Skin Peeling

Foot peeling skin symptoms are common especially in the soles of the feet, along with the occurrence of cracks, blisters and corns. Some factors, which contribute to feet skin peeling, are:

• Rough usage and inappropriate footwear - Heavy volume of walking and rough usage while barefoot is a sure recipe for inducing blisters and skin peeling in the soles of feet. Using ill-fitting footwear and footwear not suited for the purpose at hand can also cause feet skin peeling.
• Fungal infection such as Athlete's Foot - Athlete's foot is characterised by moist, white patch of peeling skin between the toes and feet skin peeling. This type of fungal infection is caused by contact with another person with fungal infection or by exposure of feet to damp surfaces such as bathroom floors where fungus is found. Pets can also transmit fungal infection to their owners.
• Dry Skin - As in skin peeling of hands, dry skin can also induce foot peeling skin.

Skin Peeling due to Disorders and Syndromes

While most skin peeling is minor and would go away on its own, there are some cases where the skin peeling of hands or body skin peeling can indicate or be as a result of major disorders or syndromes. While in cases of allergy or dry skin, peeling may be mild, excessive skin peeling can be symptomatic of an underlying disease. Here are some diseases or disorders associated with body skin peeling or skin peeling of hands and feet.

• Peeling Skin Syndrome - This is a very rare skin disorder which is hereditary. Peeling Skin Syndrome is characterised by continuous and excessive body skin peeling. Skin from the back, neck and fingertips and toes are affected in this syndrome. There is no peeling of skin of palms and face.
• Psoriasis Skin Peeling - Body skin peeling and rashes are the two main characteristics of Psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. While immune disorders are said to cause psoriasis, it is known to run in families.
• Eczema or Dermatitis - Eczema, also known as Dermatitis is of many forms, with atopic dermatitis being the most common form. Eczema causes skin inflammation, rashes and subsequently skin peeling. In Dyshidrosis, a type of eczema, there is significant skin peeling of palms.

Treatments and Precautions for Skin Peeling

While minor skin peeling goes away on its own as body skin peeling is in itself a healing process, persistent skin peeling would need consultation with dermatologists. Dermatologists can diagnose if there are some disorders or deficiencies that is causing the peeling of skin. For other minor skin peeling symptoms either due to sun burns or peeling dry skin, some precautionary measures and home remedies is:

• To prevent sun burns, apply sunscreen lotions, and avoid excessive sun exposure.



• Liquid intake constitutes a major defence against skin peeling. Drink adequate amounts of water every day to avoid dehydration of skin.
• Vitamin A deficiency can also cause skin peeling. Include adequate sources of Vitamin A in your diet such as carrots, milk, sweet potato and pumpkin. Supplements can also be taken.
• Apply moisturisers on hands and feet to avoid dry skin.

In many cases of skin peeling such as those due to sunburns, prevention is the best medicine.