What should you know about peeling hands and feet?

Peeling between the toes with itch, odour, or soreness can occur with Athlete's Foot. Red, thickened, scaly areas on the palms or soles may fit Psoriasis. Peeling after heat or strong sun exposure can follow Sunburn. Soap, sanitiser, detergents, frequent washing, sweating, friction, or a reaction to a product can also damage the skin barrier. Cracks, bleeding, swelling, or pain suggest more than simple surface dryness.

Wash with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry, especially between the toes. Apply a plain moisturising cream or ointment soon after washing and again when the skin feels tight. Wear breathable footwear, change damp socks, and use gloves for cleaning. Do not pull loose sheets of skin or scrub aggressively; trimming only a clearly detached edge with clean tools reduces snagging. Pause new creams, nail products, and harsh exfoliants until the skin settles.

Arrange medical advice if peeling persists, keeps returning, spreads, or interferes with walking or using your hands. Seek prompt care for increasing warmth, pus, rapidly worsening redness, marked swelling, fever, deep cracks, or severe pain. People with diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a weakened immune system should seek advice earlier when the feet are affected.

Ask whether the distribution suggests infection, dermatitis, psoriasis, or another cause; whether a skin scraping or other examination is needed; and which moisturiser or treatment is suitable for the affected sites.