When skin peels...

wellbeing

Finger peeling is a disturbing condition where the superficial layer of the skin peels off or exfoliates. It is a common condition among people who do a lot of household work. The peeling of the skin is often accompanied by pain, itching, burning sensation and bleeding, if left untreated.

People who commit themselves to household chores are the ones who are most affected by this condition as they are highly exposed to harsh chemicals or detergents (like in dishwashing bars). They have a prolonged relationship with water due to cleaning tasks, which leads to finger peeling. Most people in India do not use gloves while cleaning,
because of which they are directly exposed to the allergens and the irritants present in cleaning agents.

Children and toddlers who are habituated to thumb sucking too are commonly affected by finger peeling. If a toddler has the habit of thumb sucking, then the skin will peel from the top of the finger. This condition will disappear if the kid stops with this habit.

Various allergens such as detergents and nickel from jewellery can lead to peeling. Finger peeling that is caused by hand eczema gives patchy, peeling red and scaly skin. It is often accompanied by rashes in hand eczema. This too is often due to detergents or chemical irritants.

If you are suffering from finger peeling, it is highly advisable to stay clear of harsh soaps and detergents. Avoid cleaners and protect your hands with gloves, especially in cold weather, as it can increase the dryness of the skin, worsening the peels. Environmental
factors such a exposure to sun, dry weather and cold environment that take away the moisture of the skin can also cause finger peeling.

Finger peeling is a recurring condition. One way to prevent it is to avoid biting nails and cutting cuticles. Cuticles provide a protective layer that keeps the bacteria at bay and prevents the damage of fingertip skin.

(The author is dermatologist, Venus Clinic, Hyderabad)