With the numerous things we use our hands for, we also constantly expose them to irritants and chemicals that may cause dry hands and skin peeling. What is this and how is it best addressed?

What Causes Dry Hands and Skin Peeling

When discussing dry and flaky skin, you may think it is limited to your face and neck. However, this dehydration and dryness can also be manifested in your hands. It is rooted in the same cause. Dehydration occurs when you fail to take the appropriate amount of fluids or lose more than what you take in. The humid and warm weather in the Philippines drastically affects our level of hydration. Skin dehydration can affect almost any part of the body, leading to itchiness, flakiness, and even wrinkling.

But a lot more factors come into play when talking about dry hands and skin peeling. Since the hands are most used in our daily tasks, it is more exposed to irritants and are at risk for skin conditions. Here are some of the particular causes of dryness of the hands and fingertips:

Sunburn

Sunburns commonly cause skin peeling. When your hands are directly exposed to sunlight for long periods, you will eventually see them turn red and hot. Sometimes, it is difficult to spot sunburn before it happens because you may not notice the rays burning onto the skin. You will only realize that you have been exposed too much after you return to the shade.

Severe sunburns will appear as skin peeling because this is the body’s response to removing damaged cells and making new ones. But this natural healing process is very painful and may even result in blisters.

If you encounter sunburns, you may apply moisturizing agents such as aloe to ease the pain while the skin naturally heals. Even if it is tempting, do not try to peel it as it may result in more painful lesions and scarring. You would also need to cover the skin with a clean cloth to prevent it from further irritation.

Weather

A rapid shift in temperatures could lead to dry hands and fingertips. This is most noticeable during the shift from summer to colder months. When the temperature drops, the moisture in the air drops as well, leading to a dryer environment. And if your skin fails to keep up with this shift in humidity, it develops dryness and flakiness.

If this is your concern, you would want to apply moisturizers liberally or use a humidifier at home to boost the moisture level in your environment.

Exposure to Chemicals

It may be difficult to avoid exposing your hands to chemicals especially if it is part of your work. Certain jobs expose people to irritants like those working in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and much more. Some irritants can cause contact dermatitis, which can show symptoms like blisters and skin peeling.

It would be difficult to completely avoid exposure to chemicals since it may be part of your daily exposures. Hence, the best way to keep your skin and hands from peeling is to wear protective equipment such as gloves.

Skin Conditions

Underlying medical conditions also lead to dry hands and skin peeling. Here are some skin conditions that you would want to be familiar with:

  • Contact Dermatitis. Once the skin contacts something it is allergic to, it may result in contact dermatitis. Manifestations include irritation, cracking, and peeling of the skin, more commonly on the hands. It is best to identify what triggers your contact dermatitis first and find ways to avoid these.

  • Allergies. Similar to contact dermatitis, allergies are due to skin contact with particular allergens. Allergens are commonly found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, and other skin products. This may lead to itchiness, redness, and peeling of the exposed part of the skin.

  • Psoriasis. This is a chronic condition where the skin appears scaly and inflamed. The most common form of psoriasis manifests in the hands. Unlike other conditions listed here, psoriasis does not have a clear cause and is thought to be an overreaction of the immune system.

  • Hand eczema. This is a problem linked to genetics or allergy to particular irritants. People working in healthcare, cleaning, and mechanics are at a higher risk of developing hand eczema due to exposure to many allergens in their workplace.

If you are experiencing some of these conditions and have constant flare-ups, you might want to consult a professional to have your skin checked. They will also be reliable in giving you the correct medicine to alleviate your symptoms.

What Can You Do To Address Dry Hands and Skin Peeling?

Are you worried about your hands being dry and flaky? Here are some tips that you might want to consider:

Consistently moisturize your skin

If you are not exposed to allergens or irritants, it may be possible that your skin’s dryness is due to inadequate hydration. You can try to apply a moisturizer on your skin consistently. Products like Humeda contain numerous hydrating agents such as Pentavitin and Hydranov PA. With Humeda, you can provide your skin with a healthy level of moisture and lock it onto the skin.

Before moisturizing your hands, make sure to clean them well first. Wash your hands with a gentle soap first and dry completely. Then, use the right amount of product and massage it all over your hands and fingertips until the product is fully absorbed.

The key to moisturizing the skin is to reapply as needed. You must constantly give your skin the hydration it needs to alleviate any dryness or flaking.

Hydrate from within as well

Aside from topically applying moisturizing agents to your skin, you also need to hydrate from within. The best way to treat dehydrated skin is if you also replenish your body’s fluid levels. Daily fluid intake is dependent on the climate, your diet, and the amount of fluids you lose from sweating or urinating. Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and incorporate fruits and vegetables in your diet as these also contain fluid inside them.

Avoid drinking too much alcohol and caffeine

Part of your task in hydrating your body is to avoid losing the fluids that you intake. Aside from sweating, you also urinate fluid which may lead to dehydration if not kept in check. And, some drinks induce you to urinate more. These beverages primarily include alcohol and caffeine. These diuretics make you urinate more frequently, hence losing more water from your body. Of course, it would be best to avoid them completely. But if you really cannot start your day without your cup of coffee, make sure to drink non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day to replenish your body with fluids.

Protect your skin from external damage

If your skin is already peeling, then it needs to be protected from external irritants that can aggravate the problem. So, you need to protect your skin from external damage. Avoid scratching or peeling the skin as this can result in further irritation. Furthermore, stay away from harsh chemicals from soaps and detergents. Do this to give time for the skin on your hands to heal first.

Consult a dermatologist

When you are having a difficult time managing dryness and peeling of your hands, it may be time to consult a professional. Dermatologists can help you understand the condition that you are dealing with and prescribe medications if needed. They can also tell you the root cause of your dry skin and what exact irritants you need to avoid.

Conclusion

Dry hands and skin peeling are not unusual cases. However, this does not mean that you need to ignore them! It may be caused by sunburns, exposure to irritants, or underlying medical conditions. With this, you must hydrate the skin by using topical moisturizers and drinking enough fluids for the day. And, do not forget to consult a dermatologist if your condition seems to progress or recur.

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