What should you know about hand skin peeling treatment?

Peeling can follow dryness, repeated washing, cleaning chemicals, friction or sunburn. It may also accompany athlete's foot when fungal infection spreads to the hands, or appear with psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. The pattern helps: itching between fingers suggests one group of causes, while sharply inflamed plaques or peeling after a product suggests another. Cracks can make the skin sore and allow infection to enter, so peeling should not be treated as a cosmetic issue until its cause is clear.

Pause new fragranced products and harsh cleaners, wear suitable gloves for wet work, and apply a thick bland moisturiser after washing. Use lukewarm water and pat dry instead of rubbing. Do not pull loose skin or apply a steroid, antifungal or acid treatment without knowing what is causing the peeling. A clinician may prescribe treatment for infection or inflammation, while uncomplicated barrier damage often improves with protection and moisturising.

Arrange an assessment if peeling persists, returns repeatedly, affects one hand much more than the other, or comes with intense itch, pain, swelling, pus or deep cracks. Seek prompt help for rapidly spreading redness, fever, severe blistering or involvement of the eyes or mouth. Mention recent sun exposure, new products, workplace chemicals and foot symptoms during the visit.

What pattern does my peeling suggest? Should infection or psoriasis be checked? Which cleanser, moisturiser or prescription is suitable, and what should I stop using?