Peeling Palms

[NickN15]

Ever since I can remember, just about this time each year my hands become very dry and peel. There isn't any pain, there's no change in pigmentation, and it happens to me at the beginning and end of winter. It's a very thin layer of skin, it usually takes about two weeks for the whole palm and fingers to completely peel. I've lived in Alaska, Arizona, and Oregon so i've ruled out the climate. Is there any explanation for this? I've never encountered someone with this same condition.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Various possibilities for peeling palms are contact dermatitis, contact with harsh detergents, soaps and lotions that contain perfume can cause hands and fingertips to become irritated and peel. Sometimes cold, dry air can cause peeling and dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause peeling.

Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin. During the day, hydrate and protect hands with a protective and moisturizing cream. At night, repair them with creams formulated from glycolic acid—a must for improving skin texture and tone. If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. Fungal infections have to be ruled out then.

Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[Teddy97]

My boyfriend gets this but it can be quite thick layers of skin that peels. Ive heard of a condition called winter hands. Nothing serious, its something to do with the change of season that causes your hands to become very dry until they peel. Check that up, maybe thats what u get.