What causes skin peeling upon contact with water?
Disease description:
Over the past month, my hands have been peeling every time I wash clothes. Now, even light contact with water causes peeling—this likely indicates an underlying health issue. What could be causing my hands to peel upon contact with water?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wan
Peeling of the skin upon contact with water may indicate a vitamin deficiency in the body. Specifically, when the body lacks B vitamins, water can penetrate the stratum corneum (outermost skin layer) upon contact with the hands, causing epidermal cells to swell and subsequently shed—resulting in peeling. Additionally, exposure to water that is excessively hot or cold, or to irritating substances, can damage the stratum corneum and also lead to peeling.
