What causes peeling skin on the hands?
Disease description:
I am a 25-year-old female. My hands have recently become extremely dry and are peeling. There is no pain, itching, or redness. May I ask what could cause peeling skin on the hands?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Peeling skin on the hands may be caused by various factors, commonly including:
1. Dry climate: In autumn and winter seasons, the climate tends to be dry. Without proper hand care, the skin on the hands may become dry. When the skin lacks sufficient moisture, the stratum corneum becomes dry and fragile, leading to peeling.
2. Over-cleansing: Frequent use of hand sanitizers, soaps, and other cleaning products can easily disrupt the natural oils on the skin surface, resulting in dryness and peeling.
3. Allergic reactions: Allergic responses to detergents, cosmetics, and similar products can easily cause redness, swelling, itching, and flaking of the skin on the hands.
4. Tinea manuum (hand fungus): This is a fungal infection that causes redness and peeling of the affected skin, often accompanied by significant itching.
5. Contact dermatitis: This condition mainly results from prolonged contact with irritants such as certain chemicals, metals, and other substances. It causes skin inflammation that may lead to peeling with symptoms like erythema and swelling; severe cases may involve skin erosion and peeling.
