Ava Monroe
Peeling skin around the nails is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental, nutritional, and medical factors. While it is usually not a cause for concern, it can be annoying and painful. The causes of peeling skin around the nails can be broadly categorized into external and internal factors. External factors include frequent hand washing, use of harsh chemicals, and exposure to sun or extreme heat, which can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and peeling. Internal factors, on the other hand, can indicate a vitamin or mineral deficiency, such as a lack of vitamin B, A, E, C, or iron. In some cases, it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or other skin disorders.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | External factors like frequent handwashing, using products with harsh chemicals, dry skin, and environmental irritants. In rare cases, it could be a symptom of an underlying condition. |
| Treatment | Use fragrance-free hand cream or moisturiser after handwashing, especially those with shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerine, almond oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil. Natural remedies like honey, jojoba oil, and milk can also help. |
| Medical Attention | If home treatments are not effective or symptoms worsen, consult a doctor to determine the cause and recommend treatment options. |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise with honey, jojoba oil, or myrrh oil
Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated skin and aid in the healing process. To use honey to moisturise the skin around your nails, start by cleaning the affected area with a mild soap and warm water. Then, with a clean cotton ball, dab a few drops of honey onto the skin near your nails. Leave it on for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
Jojoba oil is another excellent natural moisturiser that can help heal peeling skin around your nails. Its molecular structure closely resembles your skin and nails' natural oils, allowing it to penetrate deeply and deliver hydration where it's needed most. Jojoba oil helps seal in the right amount of moisture, preventing your nails from becoming too soft or too dry. Apply jojoba oil to your nails and cuticles several times a day by gently massaging it in.
Myrrh oil is a natural, plant-based product that can also be used to strengthen, promote growth, and whiten nails. It is dispensed exclusively by physicians, so consult your doctor to see if it is right for you.
In addition to these remedies, it is important to address any environmental factors that may be contributing to the skin peeling, such as frequent handwashing, using products with harsh chemicals, or overexposure to water.
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Avoid hand sanitisers and cosmetics with alcohol and acetone
If you are experiencing skin peeling around your fingernails, it is important to keep the affected area moisturized and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals, such as alcohol and acetone, which can strip your skin and nails of moisture.
Hand sanitizers, especially those that are alcohol-based, can be detrimental to your nails and the skin around them. Nails require a certain level of water content to allow the keratin protein to flex and bend; alcohol-based hand sanitizers can strip nails of this moisture, leaving them susceptible to breakage. In addition, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can dry out your skin, which can lead to peeling fingertips.
Similarly, acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish removers, can also be very drying. When using acetone to remove nail polish, the topcoat often becomes smudged, and the glossy layer becomes cloudy. This results in the loss of the beautiful gel shine and smooth finish that many people desire.
To avoid the negative effects of hand sanitizers and acetone, opt for alternative products that do not contain these harsh chemicals. For hand sanitization, look for products that contain moisturizers or additives, as these will help prevent your skin from drying out. When removing nail polish, choose acetone-free nail polish removers, which are less likely to dry out your nails and the surrounding skin.
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Manage underlying conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis
If you have an underlying condition like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis, managing it can help heal your peeling fingernail skin.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin disease affecting around 5.5% of American adults. It is characterised by red, itchy skin and can occur anywhere on the body. If you have eczema on your fingernails, you likely have it elsewhere on your body as well. When eczema affects the hands and feet, it is called pompholyx eczema, which can cause swelling of the nail folds and skin around the nails (cuticles).
To treat eczema on your nails, it is important to first get a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist, who will rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as nail psoriasis. Treatment for nail eczema may involve avoiding triggers and/or using topical steroids. In more severe cases, medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary.
Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, so the treatments for eczema outlined above may also apply to dermatitis.
Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis causes nail changes such as crumbling, roughness, and the appearance of blood under the nail. Treatment for nail psoriasis can include topical treatments, such as strong corticosteroids, or injections of corticosteroids or other psoriasis medications. As nails grow slowly, it can take six months or longer for treatments to take effect.
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Avoid nail polish removers with acetone
While peeling skin around the nails is usually not a cause for concern, it can be annoying and painful. It is often caused by environmental factors such as frequent hand washing, the use of products with harsh chemicals, and exposure to extreme heat.
One way to prevent skin peeling around the nails is to avoid nail polish removers with acetone. Acetone is a solvent commonly found in nail polish removers that works by breaking down and stripping nail polish from the nail plate surface. While acetone is not registered as a carcinogen and is thought to have low toxicity, it can have drying effects on the nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin. Exposure to acetone can cause dehydration, leading to dry, brittle nails and flaky, irritated cuticles.
The drying effects of acetone can be particularly damaging to those who already have dry skin or conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is recommended to opt for non-acetone nail polish removers or natural nail polish removers. While these alternatives may not be as effective in removing nail polish and may require more scrubbing, they can help reduce the risk of further drying and irritation.
Additionally, you can take steps to counteract the drying effects of acetone by applying a thicker oil, such as coconut or olive oil, around your nails before removing nail polish. This creates a protective barrier that can help lock in moisture and reduce the risk of dryness and irritation. Applying a moisturizer or cuticle oil after removing nail polish can also help nourish and protect the skin and nails.
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Avoid using your nails as tools to pick up or open items
Peeling skin around the nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including dryness, eczema, and vitamin deficiencies. While it is usually not a cause for concern, it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition.
One way to prevent skin peeling around the nails is to avoid using your nails as tools to pick up or open items. Nails are made from keratin, a protein that forms tough layers that can peel and split. Using your nails as tools can weaken them, causing them to appear thin and become more prone to peeling. Instead, use the pads of your fingers to pick up or open items.
Additionally, it is important to keep your nails and the surrounding skin moisturized. You can use a fragrance-free hand cream or moisturizer, applying it regularly, especially after washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerine, or almond oil in your moisturizer. You can also use natural remedies such as honey, jojoba oil, or milk to keep your nails and skin moisturized, as long as you are not allergic to them.
Another way to protect your nails is by applying a clear nail polish, especially one with nylon fibers, which can help strengthen your nails. It is also recommended to avoid using nail polish removers that contain acetone, as this can dry out and damage your nails and the surrounding skin.
By following these steps and avoiding using your nails as tools, you can help prevent skin peeling around your nails and maintain their health and appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
Some natural remedies to heal the skin around your nails and keep them moisturised include honey, jojoba oil, milk, and essential oils such as lavender. Petroleum jelly can also be used to seal in moisture.
Medical skin conditions like eczema, Kawasaki disease, and psoriasis can lead to skin peeling from your fingertips. In these cases, always consult a doctor.
Some external factors that cause peeling skin around the nails include frequent hand washing, use of hand sanitisers, and exposure to extreme heat or sunburn.
Internal factors that cause peeling skin around the nails include nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins B, A, E, C, and iron.
If your peeling skin is not responding to home treatments or if your symptoms worsen, consult a doctor. They can help determine the cause of the skin peeling and recommend treatment options.
