Why Are My Fingers Peeling and How Do I Stop It?

We know it hurts AND it’s kinda gross. But why do our fingers peel? And what can we do about it?

Here are some possible causes and how you can manage them!

Are you a nail biter or do you constantly pick at your nails? This causes damage to the skin around your nails and makes it prone to skin infection. Avoid ripping off hangnails, you know, those tempting little pieces of skin next to a nail. Instead, clip them away using a nail clipper to further prevent wounding your skin.

If your bad habits are causing your cuticles and skin to flake, the solution is straightforward. Stop! If discipline alone won’t cut it, apply bitter tasting nail polish which will leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth whenever you unknowingly bite your nails. For extra measure, figure out your cause of anxiety and try managing it as anxiety triggers nail biting and skin picking.

SOURCE: cox-robinson.co.uk

The root of your problem may be a skin condition, common ones include Psoriasis and Eczema. You might have cell build-up around your fingernails, or dry and itchy skin caused by inflammation. There is also a condition called Dyshidrosis, whereby tiny blisters appear on the sides of the fingers and palms from moisture imbalance. This can also lead to skin peeling around the nails.

Minimise water exposure to protect your skin from drying out. To manage dryness that triggers eczema, keep your fingers moisturised and protected with Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly products. To be safe, consult a doctor regarding products that suit your skin type.

Allergies can also manifest in skin reactions, causing your fingers and cuticles to peel. Try determining when exactly they start to peel to weed out the allergen. It may be something as simple as nail polish, a new hand soap, or even chemical content from detergents. The solvents from detergents might cause skin to dry out, leading to peeling.

Stay away from potential irritants for a period of time and check to see if the condition of your skin improves. There’s your excuse for not washing the dishes!

The lack of nutrients in your diet may be a possible cause of skin and cuticle peeling. Calcium and vitamin deficiency leads to drier skin, which then leads to flaking.

Ensure that you consume a balanced diet. Lay off the junk food! It’s important to consume high amounts of protein, minerals, and fibre.

Once you have addressed the root of your problem, try these easy remedies which can boost your skin’s and cuticles’ healing process:

• Olive Oil – Heat some olive oil till warm. Immerse your fingers in the oil for about 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water, then apply moisturiser to retain the moisture.
• Honey – Honey has natural wound-healing and antibacterial properties. Rub some pure honey on the affected area and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.