What vitamin deficiency causes peeling skin on the hands and feet?
Disease description:
My hands and feet are constantly peeling in layers. What vitamin deficiency could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Gan Liqiang
Peeling of the skin on the hands and feet may indicate vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a protective role in maintaining the health of the epidermis. Patients may have come into contact with corrosive substances, leading to desquamation (peeling) of the skin and mucous membranes. Impaired self-repair capacity of the skin and mucous membranes may also result from deficiencies in various vitamins. The stratum corneum on the feet is particularly thick, making topical ointments less effective due to poor penetration. Under a physician’s guidance, patients may use “Zu Guang San” (a traditional Chinese herbal foot-soaking powder) daily to help remove the thickened, dead stratum corneum.
