Peeling Skin

[nina1986]

I am trying to figure out why my skin is peeling of my fingers. It started a week ago with something that looked like a boil that had dried up the skin became white and it came off. This has happended to me before but, this time the skin continued to peel it has now spread to both my hands and several fingers (6 total, for now)
Also it has not spread to palms yet, just around nails and half way down finger. I have no idea what is causing this or what I should even do. I notice that when I was my hands or take a shower it gets worse because the skin is then softened. I apply extra dry skin lotion constantly but it doesnt seem to help. If you have any answers or an ideas what is causing this please let me know. I am starting to get concerned and considering going to a doctor.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Sorry replied to another post earlier. Peeling and flaking fingers 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.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like worms due to helminthic infestation of the intestines. Get a stool examination done as soon as possible and consult a physician as you may need antihelminthic drugs like Albendazole or mebendazole.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.