Caleb Foster
Peeling skin around the nails is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including dryness, allergies, and bacterial or fungal infections. Environmental factors, such as weather changes, frequent hand washing, and exposure to sunlight, can also contribute to peeling skin around the nails. Additionally, certain products like nail polishes, nail polish removers, soaps, and detergents can irritate the skin and lead to peeling. In some cases, underlying medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, or vitamin deficiencies may be the cause. While it is not usually a cause for concern, it is important to address the issue to prevent further complications, especially if the skin beneath the epidermis is exposed, as this can lead to infections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Dry skin, bacterial or fungal infection, vitamin or calcium deficiency, allergies to cosmetics, excessive handwashing, harsh weather, nail biting |
| Treatment | Moisturize skin with products that suit your skin type, use gentle soap, avoid hot water, use essential oils, use honey, use petroleum jelly, seek medical advice if symptoms worsen |
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What You'll Learn
Dry skin
Harsh chemicals in products, such as soaps, shampoos, and other toiletries, can also irritate the skin and contribute to dryness. People with sensitive skin should be cautious when using these products and avoid washing their hands with hot water, as it can cause dehydration of the skin.
Frequent hand washing with soap can damage the skin's natural lipid barrier, allowing the soap to penetrate the sensitive layers of the skin and cause irritation and peeling. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when medical professionals, who were frequently washing their hands, experienced peeling skin.
Certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitamin deficiencies, can also cause dry skin and peeling around the nails.
To treat dry skin around the nails, it is recommended to use gentle, moisturising products and avoid hot water. Ointments or creams containing jojoba oil, dimethicone, or glycerin are suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA). Additionally, natural remedies such as aloe vera, honey, and essential oils can help lock in moisture and improve skin hydration.
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Environmental factors
Harsh weather and pounding pavement can also cause your feet to crack and peel. In addition, environmental variables have a big impact on how healthy and smooth our skin is. People with sensitive skin should refrain from washing their hands in hot water because doing so causes double dehydration of the skin. Hot water can strip away the essential oils and required moisture from the skin, leaving it dry, itchy, and prone to peeling.
Frequent hand washing with soap can also damage the skin's lipid barrier, allowing the soap to penetrate the skin's sensitive layers and cause irritation and peeling. This is especially true if the soap contains harsh ingredients. The same is true for sanitisers, as the alcohol content can cause dryness. The increased use of handwashes, soaps, and sanitisers during the COVID-19 pandemic has also led to drier hands for many people.
To prevent skin peeling, it is important to keep the skin moisturized with products that suit your skin type. Home remedies such as keeping the skin moisturized and following some preventive measures can help a lot.
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Allergies to cosmetics
Peeling skin around the nails can be caused by dryness, which can be triggered by a number of environmental factors. These include harsh weather conditions, excessive sweating, and frequent handwashing with hot water and irritating soaps.
Artificial nails, such as acrylic and gel nails, can also cause allergic reactions. Acrylic nails can lead to nail thinning, breakage, and infections. Gel nails may cause allergic reactions if there is uncured gel due to an excess amount being applied or a lack of penetration from the LED light. It is important to note that allergic reactions to nail cosmetics can also appear elsewhere on the body, such as the eyelids, neck, and chin, due to touching these areas with the nails.
If you suspect an allergy to nail cosmetics, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment. Patch testing can help identify specific allergens causing reactions. Treatment options may include topical steroid creams, cool compresses, and moisturizers or emollients to repair the skin barrier and prevent dryness.
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Excessive hand washing
To prevent skin peeling due to excessive hand washing, it is important to take extra care to keep your hands moisturised. This can include using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturising hand cream or ointment, particularly after hand washing. It is also recommended to use a thick, therapeutic hand salve after washing your hands. You can also apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to your hands before bed, wearing gloves to lock in the moisture and prevent any mess.
It is also important to be mindful of the products you are using to wash your hands. You should avoid using hot water, irritating paper towels, and harsh soaps or hand washes that contain drying ingredients such as alcohol, sulfates, and fragrances. Instead, opt for gentle, moisturising products that are suitable for your skin type.
Additionally, excessive hand washing can be mitigated by using hand sanitiser when there is no visible dirt on your hands. However, it is important to note that alcohol-based hand sanitisers can also dry out the skin, so opt for sanitisers that contain ingredients like glycerin, which is a humectant and can help lock in moisture.
If the skin peeling persists or becomes severe, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition or allergy.
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Skin disorders
One of the most common causes of skin peeling around the fingernails is dryness. Environmental factors, such as dry or cold weather, can cause skin dryness, which can lead to peeling. Additionally, frequent hand washing, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and peeling.
Allergies to cosmetics, such as nail polishes, nail polish removers, soaps, and detergents, can also cause skin peeling. This is often due to an allergy to the chemicals or additives in these products.
In some cases, skin peeling may be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as eczema, psoriasis, or a bacterial or fungal infection. For example, people with hand eczema may experience peeling skin around the fingernails. Similarly, psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, can cause redness, scaling, and cracking of the skin around the fingers and nails.
If you are experiencing skin peeling around your fingernails, it is important to identify the underlying cause. This may involve visiting a dermatologist for a thorough assessment. In the meantime, keeping the skin moisturized with gentle, hydrating products can help soothe and protect the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
The skin around your fingernails can peel off due to a variety of reasons. Dry skin, caused by environmental factors such as weather changes, is a common cause. Other reasons include bacterial or fungal infections, allergies to cosmetics, and vitamin or calcium deficiencies.
Environmental factors include weather changes, especially during the winter months when the air is dry and cold, and excessive exposure to sunlight, which can lead to sunburn. Additionally, frequent hand washing with soap can damage the skin's lipid barrier, allowing soap to penetrate sensitive layers and cause irritation and peeling.
Internal factors can vary, but sometimes dry, peeling skin around the fingernails can indicate vitamin or calcium deficiencies. Peeling skin can also be a symptom of an underlying skin disorder or condition, such as psoriasis or eczema.
To treat peeling skin around your fingernails, it is important to address the underlying cause. Maintaining proper hydration by drinking enough water and using moisturizers or ointments can help. Avoiding hot water baths and using gentle, hypoallergenic soaps can also prevent further irritation. If the peeling is accompanied by other symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
