What causes peeling skin on fingertips?

Generally, peeling of the fingertips refers to skin exfoliation on the fingers. This condition may be caused by dry skin, environmental factors, vitamin deficiencies, tinea manuum (fungal infection of the hands), eczema, or other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Dry Skin

When finger skin is exposed for prolonged periods to dry environments or frequently comes into contact with cleansers containing irritating ingredients, it can lose moisture, causing the stratum corneum to dry out and subsequently peel. Applying hand cream regularly in daily life can help alleviate this condition.

2. Environmental Factors

Seasonal changes, low air humidity, and ultraviolet radiation can easily irritate the skin on the fingers, disrupting normal skin metabolism and leading to peeling. It is advisable to wear protective gloves when handling irritating substances to safeguard the skin on the hands.

3. Vitamin Deficiency

A deficiency in vitamins such as vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, or vitamin C can impair normal skin metabolism and repair functions, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms. This may be accompanied by night blindness, gum bleeding, and other signs. Treatment may involve taking medications such as vitamin B2 tablets, vitamin AD drops, or enalapril maleate and folic acid tablets under a doctor’s guidance.

4. Tinea Manuum (Hand Fungus)

Tinea manuum is usually caused by fungal infections, such as Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. After invading the skin of the fingers, these fungi trigger inflammatory reactions. Under microbial stimulation, skin cell metabolism accelerates, resulting in peeling. Symptoms may include redness, rashes, and noticeable itching. Patients should follow medical advice to use antifungal medications such as ketoconazole cream, itraconazole capsules, or bifonazole cream.

5. Eczema

Eczema may result from chronic infections, food allergies, or external environmental irritants. It compromises the skin's barrier function, making the skin dry and fragile, which leads to peeling on the fingers. Other symptoms may include papules and blisters. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, erythromycin ointment, or dexamethasone acetate tablets.

To prevent fingertip peeling, it is important to maintain hand moisturization, avoid excessive exposure to irritating substances, maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate vitamin intake, and pay attention to how environmental changes affect the skin.