How to stop skin peeling on fingers near nails?

Why is the skin around my nails peeling

The skin around your nails can peel due to several reasons, including:

Dryness: Dry skin is one of the most common causes of peeling around the nails. Factors such as cold weather, low humidity, frequent hand washing, and exposure to harsh chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and peeling.

Excessive Moisture: While dryness can cause peeling, excessive moisture or prolonged exposure to water can also weaken the skin around the nails, making it more prone to peeling. This often happens to individuals who frequently wash their hands or work with water without protecting their skin.

Chemical Irritants: Exposure to harsh chemicals found in household cleaning products, detergents, or nail polish removers can irritate the skin around the nails, leading to peeling and inflammation.

Nail Biting or Picking: Habits such as nail biting or picking at the skin around the nails can damage the skin, causing it to peel and become inflamed.

Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections can affect the skin around the nails, causing symptoms such as peeling, redness, and inflammation.

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may 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, as well as biotin and omega-3 fatty acids, can affect the health of your skin, including the skin around your nails, leading to dryness and peeling.

Trauma or Injury: Trauma to the skin around the nails, such as excessive manicuring, rough nail filing, or injuries, can damage the skin and cause it to peel.

How do you fix peeling skin around your nails?

Here are some tips to help prevent and treat skin peeling in this area:

Moisturize Regularly

Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your hands several times a day, especially after washing your hands. Look for products containing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or coconut oil.

Protect Your Hands

Wear gloves when doing household chores or working with harsh chemicals to protect your hands from drying out and becoming irritated.

Avoid Harsh Soaps: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps when washing your hands. Harsh soaps can strip away natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness and peeling.

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 to the skin around your nails to keep it hydrated and prevent peeling. You can use commercial cuticle oils or natural oils like coconut oil or vitamin E oil.

Avoid Nail Biting and Picking

These habits can damage the skin around your nails and contribute to peeling. Try to break these habits to promote healthier skin.

Stay Hydrated

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 skin peeling is severe or persists despite home remedies, consider seeing a dermatologist. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include prescription creams or ointments.