Why are the palms of my hands dry and peeling?

Contents

The palms of your hands are dry and peeling likely due to a lack of moisture, exposure to harsh chemicals or frequent hand washing.

Detailed responses to the query

The palms of your hands are dry and peeling likely due to a lack of moisture, exposure to harsh chemicals or frequent hand washing. Dryness can be exacerbated by exposure to extreme temperatures, low humidity, and frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. According to dermatologist David Lortscher, “The skin on the palms of our hands is significantly thicker than on other parts of our body. Therefore, it can handle more pressure, rubbing, and wetness; but, on the other hand, it is more susceptible to dryness and becoming calloused.”

Here are some interesting facts about the skin on the palms of our hands:

The skin on our palms is about 4 times thicker than on other areas of the body.
Our hands have the highest number of sweat glands per square centimeter of skin than any other part of the body, but the oil glands on our palms are almost non-existent.
The mitotic rate (rate of cell division) of the skin on our palms is much faster than on other areas of the body, which is why our palms tend to heal quickly from minor injuries.
The ridges and patterns on our palms and fingertips are unique to each individual and can be used for identification purposes (fingerprinting).

If you’re looking for ways to prevent or treat dryness and peeling on your palms, consider the following:

Use a moisturizer specifically formulated for the hands, and apply it frequently throughout the day.
Avoid exposing your hands to harsh chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products or solvents.
Wear gloves when working with your hands, especially when handling rough or abrasive materials.
Use lukewarm water and mild soap when washing your hands, and avoid hot water, which can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Consider using a humidifier in your home to help alleviate dryness in the air.

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Table:

Fact	Description
Skin thickness	The skin on our palms is about 4 times thicker than on other areas of the body.
Sweat glands	Our hands have the highest number of sweat glands per square centimeter of skin than any other part of the body, but the oil glands on our palms are almost non-existent.
Mitotic rate	The mitotic rate of the skin on our palms is much faster than on other areas of the body, which is why our palms tend to heal quickly from minor injuries.
Fingerprints	The ridges and patterns on our palms and fingertips are unique to each individual and can be used for identification purposes (fingerprinting).

Video response

Dermatologist Dr. Rasya Dixit states that skin peeling on the hands and feet is prevalent in individuals with very dry skin; however, if accompanied by itching, it could be a sign of hand eczema or a fungal infection, which needs to be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist with a good emollient and avoidance of harsh detergents.

On the Internet, there are additional viewpoints

Some environmental causes of peeling hands include the sun, dry air, cold weather, and excessive hand-washing. Some medical causes of peeling hands include allergies, eczema, psoriasis, infections, or acral peeling skin syndrome.

You will most likely be intrigued

What deficiency causes palm skin peeling?

As a response to this: A lack of Vitamin B3 or an excess of vitamin A can lead to peeling hands. In case of vitamin deficiency, you should supplement with green vegetables, fruits and other foods.

How do you treat dry peeling palms?

10 remedies for dry hands

Moisturize. Apply a quality moisturizing cream or lotion several times per day.
Wear gloves.
Decrease stress.
Consider medication.
Ask your doctor about UV light therapy.
Treat them overnight.
Ask about a prescription cream.
Apply hydrocortisone cream.

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What does dry palms of hands mean?

Dry hands mean that the skin on your hands is not able to produce enough sebum to keep them hydrated. Overwashing the hands, contact with chemicals and dry climatic conditions can trigger this concern.

What medical conditions cause dry hands?

The answer is: Condition that affects the skin: Some conditions that affect the skin, including atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, perioral dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis, can cause excessively dry skin.

What could be the reason for my palms peeling?

Response to this: Peeling of palms can be seasonal or because of nutritional deficiency or post infection/fever or inherited conditions or some irritants etc.

How can I prevent my palms from peeling?

Response to this: To keep your fingertips from peeling, make sure to wash your hands with gentle products. However, do not refrain from washing your hands because they are peeling. Handwashing is the most effective way to reduce the spread of germs, such as the influenza virus or the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19.

Could my diet be causing my palms to peel?

Response: Getting too little or too much of certain vitamins may cause your skin to peel. Pellagra is a condition that results from a lack of vitamin B-3 (niacin) in the diet. It can lead to dermatitis, as well as diarrhea and even dementia. Although pellagra typically results from a poor diet, it may also be caused by other underlying conditions.

Is exfoliative keratolysis a common cause of palm peeling?

Answer: Keratolysis exfoliativa is a common skin condition where there is focal peeling of plams or soles. It does not cause any symptom like itching or pain. It is most commonly seen during summers.