Peeling skin on the palms of your hands

Frequent handwashing, detergents, solvents, friction, and dry air can weaken the outer skin barrier. The skin may feel tight, rough, sore, or itchy before it flakes. A fungal infection can cause scaling, especially when one hand is affected or the feet are also scaly; see Athlete's Foot for related foot symptoms. Psoriasis may produce well-defined, thicker patches and cracking. Peeling after intense sun exposure can fit Sunburn. The appearance, itch, pain, location, and timing help distinguish these possibilities.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry rather than rubbing. Apply a thick, plain moisturiser immediately after washing and again whenever the skin feels tight. Wear protective gloves for wet work, with clean cotton gloves underneath if rubber or chemical exposure irritates you. Do not pull loose skin or scrub flakes away; cover painful cracks with a clean dressing. Stop newly introduced hand products for a few days and note whether the peeling settles. A clinician can inspect scaling or take a skin sample when infection is suspected.

Arrange medical advice if peeling persists despite gentle care, keeps returning, spreads, or interferes with work. Seek prompt help for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, severe pain, fever, rapidly spreading redness, or deep cracks that bleed. Urgent assessment is sensible if the hands suddenly blister widely or peeling follows a new medicine or significant chemical exposure.

Ask whether the pattern fits contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or a fungal infection; whether any product should be stopped; and whether testing or prescription treatment is needed. Tell the clinician when it began, which hand products or chemicals you use, and whether your feet or other skin areas are affected.