Peeling Skin on Palm

[jessg_2007]

Hello, hoping someone can help me out. I have skin that is peeling on the bottom half of my palm and only on the one hand. It just seems to be one layer that is peeling. It does not hurt nor is it red or rashy. Just really flaky and seems to be irritated more after I shower or wash my hands. Have a feeling its nothing serious just very annoying and unattractive. Could it just be from excessive washing?? I do TRY to moisturize often after I wash my hands.
Any ideas on what I can do? Thanks :)

[ohyeenbee]

The skin on the palm of my hands are peeling. My hands are really red and unattractive,it hurts when i wash or hold something tightly. Also, my fingernails are breaking and look like they're going 2 come off. This has been the case for 3years

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Peeling and flaking hands can be due to contact dermatitis and contact with harsh detergents, soaps and lotions. 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, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid.

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 and eczema have to be ruled out then. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.