Peeling on the skin near the nails between the fingers results from various conditions such as dryness, chemical use, repetitive hand washing, or other types of skin disease like eczema or psoriasis.
Why is the peeling around my nails
You have peeling on your nails around your nails due to several reasons such as
Dryness: Flaking of the skin near the nail is also one of the most common reasons for flaky skin. Dry weather, dry conditions, usage of disinfectants multiple times a day, and handwashing with certain chemicals can strip off the natural skin oils, leading to dryness, flakiness of the skin.
Excessive Moisture: Excessive moisture or prolonged water exposure can also soften the skin around the nails, making it more susceptible to peeling. This usually occurs to people who wash their hands a lot or work with water without covering their skin.
Chemical Irritants: Irritation due to contact with strong chemicals in cleaning agents, detergents, or nail polish removers can lead to peeling and inflammation of the skin around the nails.
Nail Biting or Picking: Nail picking or biting the nail skin can ruin the skin, leading to peeling and inflammation.
Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections can develop on the skin around the nails, leading to peeling, redness, and inflammation.
Allergic Reactions: Certain individuals can develop allergic reactions to certain ingredients in skincare products, nail polish, or artificial nails, leading to peeling and irritation.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly vitamins A, C, and E, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can have an impact on the health of your skin, including the skin around your nails, and dry out and peel it.
Trauma or Injury: Trauma to the skin around the nails, such as over-manicuring, rough nail filing, or cuts, can damage the skin and cause it to peel.
How do you treat peeling skin around your nails?
The following tips will treat and prevent peeling skin in this area:
Moisturize Often
Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream on your hands a number of times throughout the day, especially after washing your hands. For optimal results, apply products containing glycerin, shea butter, or coconut oil.
Protect Your Hands
Wear hand gloves during cleaning the house or when working with harsh chemicals to protect your hands from drying and irritation.
Avoid Harsh Soaps: Clean your hands with mild and fragrance-free soaps. Harsh soaps strip natural oils from the skin, which leads to peeling and dryness.
Limit Hand Washing
While it’s important to maintain good hand hygiene, excessive hand washing can contribute to skin dryness and peeling. Wash your hands when necessary, such as before eating or after using the restroom, but try to avoid overdoing it.
Use a Cuticle Oil
Apply cuticle oil on the skin around your nails to keep your skin hydrated and prevent peeling. You can buy cuticle oils from a store or alternatively apply coconut oil or vitamin E oil.
Cease Nail Biting and Picking
Such habits are going to damage the skin around your nails and result in peeling. Try hard to stop such habits to support healthier skin.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Protect Your Hands in Cold Weather
Cold weather can exacerbate dry skin. Wear gloves when outdoors in cold temperatures to protect your hands from the elements.
Consider a Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your home or office can add moisture to the air, which can help prevent dryness and peeling of the skin.
Consult a Dermatologist
If your peeling skin is extreme or does not go away despite home treatments, seek the help of a dermatologist. They will diagnose the actual cause and suggest the right treatment, which could be prescription creams or ointments.