Peeling Skin?

[merveilles]

I was "diagnosed" as a child with eczema. I had dry patches here and there, particularly on my hands, given an Rx for Sarna and sent home with a bottle of Eucerin. The Sarna aggravated it and the Eucerin did little to help. Obviously I was left with very little confidence in dermatology.

Back then I also had peeling of the skin around my cuticles. I'll admit I pick at them and make it a lot worse, but the skin is so thin and peels on it's own. I also notice that seemingly out of nowhere bigger pieces of skin somehow get pulled off and I'll have some bleeding. I gently moisturize with dye-free, fragrance-free cream/lotion and I wash my hands with tepid, rather than hot water.

What could cause this? Has anyone experienced this? If it didn't peel on it's own, I would be compelled to pick at it. Also, the area around my cuticles is always red and imflamed, even when I leave them alone. How can I figure out what's going on and help it (and stop my hands from looking gross)!?

Thanks!

[merveilles]

Thank you so much for your help. I have had this for years, that's why it has been such a bother. The fact that they always seem to look "inflamed" is my biggest concern. I'll try using more mild products, although I mostly do. There may just be something aggravating it. There is a bit of a chance medication could be exacerbating it, I'll ask my RPh. If you have any advice beyond that, I'd appreciate it. I've done / looked into most of what you recommend.

Thanks Again and Regards.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Cold, dry air can cause dry skin, peeling, and even cracking and bleeding of the fingertips. Washing dishes without wearing gloves can put hands and fingers in contact with harsh detergents that can cause fingers to peel. Soaps and lotions that contain perfume can cause hands and fingertips to become irritated and peel.

Any type of trauma to the fingers, such as playing the guitar, can cause fingertips to peel. Peeling fingertips can also be associated with certain infections, reactions to medications and, rarely, potentially serious medical conditions.

A few simple measures can often stop the peeling, or at least slow it down:
Wash your hands with an unscented soap. Use an unscented moisturizer after drying your hands. Avoid trauma to your fingertips. Wear gloves when washing dishes.

Peeling skin is therefore a temporary problem and is known to heal in a few days as the new skin surfaces. Though there are few exceptions such as: 1)in case of infections or medications that cause the skin to peel or, 2) a hereditary disorder known as Peeling Skin Syndrome, all of which may require medical consultation to cure peeling skin. Some of the known causes leading to this skin disorder are: excessive perspiration, staph or viral infections, or excessive sun exposure resulting in sunburn.

Peeling skin syndrome is an extremely rare inherited disorder characterized by continual, spontaneous skin peeling or exfoliation. Other findings may include reddening of the skin  and itching.  Type B is associated with congenital erythroderma, a condition in which the skin has an intense red color.

If peeling continues, contact your doctor or see a dermatologist to rule out exfoliative keratolysis or dyshidrotic eczema.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.