Why does the skin on my fingertips dry out?

The use of household chemicals, improper care, the external environment - all these nuances lead to changes in the condition of the skin. Irritation resembling an allergy may appear on the hands, dryness, peeling, and cracking may occur. These factors are not health deviations. Cracks in the fingers are considered a serious cause for concern, the causes and treatment of which are not related to weather conditions, household responsibilities or age-related changes. Wounds with blood should be a mandatory reason to see a doctor.

Causes of dry skin and cracked fingers

Peeling and dryness cause discomfort. Combined with itching and bleeding wounds, these signs turn into constant pain. The reasons for such manifestations can be various factors. Floor cleaners, dishes and other household chemicals have a negative effect on your hands. It is not difficult to get rid of their influence. If the causes of changes in the skin are diseases, then treatment is aimed not only at eliminating discomfort, but also at eliminating the disease.

Diseases that can cause itching, cracking, peeling and dry hands:

1. fungus (the main cause of the disease is considered to be weakened immunity);
2. contact dermatitis (the disease is caused by the use of household chemicals, contact with aggressive substances or allergens);
3. eczema (a serious disease accompanied by bleeding wounds, cracks, dry hands);
4. psoriasis (a distinctive symptom is the appearance of droplets of blood;
5. vitamin deficiency (the cause of dry and cracked hands is a lack of vitamins);
6. allergies (individual reaction to certain factors).

The question of why the skin on the fingers cracks requires a comprehensive examination by a dermatologist. Getting rid of some diseases is difficult. Such symptoms may be a manifestation of diabetes mellitus, diseases of internal organs, or dysfunction of individual body systems. When identifying the cause of dryness and peeling, you need to pay attention to the location of the lesion - pads, palms, area of ​​the periungual plates, interdigital areas.

The skin on the fingers near the nails is cracking

Frequent contact not only with household chemicals, but also with ordinary water, can cause irritation. The skin in the area of ​​the nail plates begins to peel, crack, and peel off. If factors such as water and chemistry are not present, then internal diseases are the cause of discomfort. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis, but the most common of them are considered to be fungus on the fingers, hormonal imbalance, psoriasis, eczema, diabetes or abnormalities in the thyroid gland.

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Improper care, use of household chemicals, negative effects of the external environment - all these factors can lead to changes in the condition of the skin of adults. On the delicate skin of the hands, irritation may appear that resembles an allergy, peeling, dryness, cracking, dry skin on the pads of the fingers may occur - there are different reasons.

All these factors are not health problems, but cracks in the fingers can be a serious cause for concern. The reasons for their appearance are not related to weather conditions, age-related changes or household responsibilities. Wounds with the appearance of blood should be a mandatory reason to consult a doctor. Let's consider all the reasons and ways to solve problems when changing the appearance of the skin.

Causes of dryness and cracks

Dryness and flaking cause discomfort, especially if you add to this the fact that problem areas are cracked and burn. And with the appearance of itching and bleeding wounds, these signs become a real problem. The cause of such manifestations can be many factors. Eliminating their influence is not difficult. But if the causes of changes in the skin are diseases, then treatment must be aimed not only at eliminating unpleasant sensations, but also at eliminating the disease.

The reasons that may cause peeling of the skin on the tips of the fingers, itching, cracking and dryness may be as follows:

1. Contact dermatitis - caused by the use of household chemicals, contact with allergens or aggressive substances.
2. Fungus - the most common cause of the disease is weakened immunity.
3. Psoriasis - the main distinguishing symptom is the appearance of droplets of blood.
4. Eczema is a serious disease that is accompanied by dry hands, cracks, and bleeding wounds.
5. An allergy is an individual reaction to certain factors.
6. Vitamin deficiency - the cause of cracks and dry skin of the fingers of the right or left hands is a lack of vitamins in the body.
7. Improper care of the skin of the hands - poorly moisturized skin can lead to dryness of the epidermis, which, when in contact with cold water or exposure to a cold wind, can become dry and covered with cracks and appear wrinkled.
8. Diabetes mellitus can seriously impair the body’s blood circulation, including the nutrition of the hands, which can lead to dry skin.
9. Frequent contact with water - it would seem that water will moisturize the skin, but in reality, everything happens the other way around - water greatly dries out the epidermis and washes away its protective fat layer.

Important! The question of why the skin on the fingers dries requires a thorough comprehensive examination by a dermatologist. Some diseases are quite difficult to get rid of. When identifying the causes of peeling and dryness, you should pay attention to the affected areas - palms, pads, interdigital areas, area near the nail plates.

Cracks on fingers near nails

Too frequent contact not only with household chemicals, but also with plain water, can cause irritation. The skin in the nail area begins to crack, peel, peel off; people often notice this on the index finger. If there are no factors such as household chemicals and water, then internal diseases may be the cause of discomfort.

An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist, but the most common are fungus, eczema, psoriasis, hormonal imbalance, thyroid abnormalities or diabetes.

On pads

The reason that the skin on the fingertips dries out may be a lack of vitamins in the body. The most common symptom of a lack of nutrients in the body is the appearance of dryness, peeling, and cracks on the fingertips. There is no pain, redness or irritation.

Constant detachment of the epidermis leads to a “rough” effect. If the area of ​​the pads hurts or bleeding is visible, then this is most likely some kind of disease. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Skin on fingers breaks

Cracks without bleeding wounds appear due to the influence of external factors or internal changes in the body. The skin may begin to burst from a long course of taking antibiotics or hormonal drugs. Peeling with cracks can occur due to unfavorable weather conditions or too frequent contact with water.

For example, in winter or autumn, you need to watch your hands as carefully as possible. Similar signs may also be the first manifestations of diseases.

Skin is too dry and cracks until it bleeds

Some of the types of changes can be classified as the most dangerous. In most cases, bleeding cracks are signs of serious diseases. If, in addition to this, your fingers swell, you should definitely undergo an examination by a dermatologist.

Important! Bleeding and painful sores can not only cause discomfort, but also pose a risk of blood poisoning. Such cracks in the hands can be symptoms of fungal infection, eczema, and the development of serious disorders in the functioning of the entire body.

Itching between fingers

The most common cause of itching and burning is skin diseases or allergies. If a burning sensation appears between the fingers, then the influence of chemicals or hygiene is excluded.

Important! The danger with this symptom is that the problem can be contagious. Irritation can increase and even move to other areas. Swelling of the fingers, which is accompanied by a strong burning sensation, is considered the most dangerous sign of dermatitis or fungus.

Treatment of cracked and peeling skin

If the skin on the tips of your fingers dries out, this becomes a cause of serious discomfort. The skin becomes unpleasant to the touch, causes discomfort, and looks very ugly. Such manifestations should be treated taking into account the causes of the problem. If the skin begins to dry out due to exposure to weather conditions, from vitamin deficiencies or due to the use of household chemicals, then a special ointment for cracks in the hands and fingers or a mask that can be prepared at home will help return it to its normal state.

Ointment for healing cracks and wounds

If you consult a specialist and he identifies diseases that result in cracking and peeling of the skin, then comprehensive treatment should be carried out. The disease is treated with special medications, and skin discomfort is eliminated with ointments.

Important! The use of any means must be coordinated with a doctor. Ointments are applied to the affected areas after a certain time or as pain appears (as a pain reliever).

Examples of ointments that can be used to solve the problem of peeling skin on the tips of the fingers:

Means to combat flaking and dryness are divided into weak, medium, strong and maximally strong varieties. Creams are universal preparations that heal wounds, eliminate pain, and also have a moisturizing effect.

Important! If the skin on the fingertips of a child is peeling, then creams should be selected from a group that corresponds to the patient’s age. You should not self-medicate, because in children such symptoms can be the consequences of a serious lack of vitamins or allergies.

Examples of creams that can be used to solve this problem:

Important! Separately, check out the selection of cosmetic care products. We have already analyzed the reviews and compiled ratings:

Folk remedies

To eliminate the problem of dry hands, you can resort to the use of folk remedies, including:

1. Honey-glycerin mask - a teaspoon of honey should be mixed with a teaspoon of glycerin and two tablespoons of water. The mixture can be given a thick consistency using oatmeal. This mask is applied to your hands and washed off with warm water after 15 minutes.
2. Sour cream, potatoes and vegetable oil - the components are used as compresses or rubbed into the skin with massage movements. It is necessary to treat not only your hands, but also your fingertips.

Important! Diseases cannot be cured this way. Traditional methods can only eliminate the consequences of external factors, but will not help in any way against internal diseases.

You can easily find restorative hand cream in any supermarket or pharmacy, this product is so popular. In particular, it will be useful for those whose problem is dry skin on their fingers.

1. Causes of dry skin on fingers
2. Signs of dry hand skin
3. Necessary care
4. Methods for preventing dryness
5. Tools Overview

Causes of dry skin on fingers

It’s not for nothing that they say that your hands tell you your age first. This is the absolute truth. In addition, the skin of the hands is less resistant to aggressive environmental factors - cold, cold, wind and temperature changes, so the winter season begins with the purchase of gloves and a good protective cream.

So, why can the skin on your hands become dry?

The skin on your hands has a thinner lipid barrier © iStock

On the skin of the hands, the lipid barrier is much thinner than, for example, on the skin of the back or forearm, so it is more susceptible to aging processes.

The skin of the hands is the most vulnerable. If she is not protected by gloves in cold weather, she will easily become chapped. One walk without covering - and dryness, redness and peeling occur.

Contact with household chemicals

Household chemicals: hand washing powders, dishwashing gels and bath cleaners dry out the skin of your hands, often causing irritation and redness.

Severe dry skin and persistent irritation may be signs of atopic dermatitis. But only a doctor can make a diagnosis, so we recommend that you refrain from self-medication and consult a specialist if the condition of the skin on your hands causes serious concern.

Caring for dry hand skin is not limited to applying cream © iStock

Signs of dry hand skin

The following symptoms indicate dry hand skin:

sometimes - burning and pain.

Three key signs of dry skin on your fingers:

dryness around the nails and rough, sloppy cuticles;

redness in areas that are most likely to come into contact with external irritants (for example, on the knuckles or fingertips), which may be accompanied by pain;

peeling that does not go away for a long time.

To restore the skin of your hands, use masks © iStock

Necessary care

When things are really bad, hand skin care should not end with applying cream. We'll tell you what else you can do to make your hands thank you.

Pay attention to what you wash your hands with. If your skin is prone to dryness, it makes sense to replace classic bar or gel soap with cleanser labeled "soap-free".

Hand scrub - not the most popular product, but it definitely won’t hurt to get one. Exfoliation with abrasive particles stimulates cell renewal and removes dead epidermal scales, making the skin not only softer, but also better absorbs beneficial substances from the cream.

Hand cream - a product that must be on your bedside table (you can throw the second one in your bag, and the third one in your office desk drawer). You already know why it is needed, so we’ll tell you what will happen if you ignore it: the skin on your hands will age twenty years ahead of time.

Use as a restorative agent hand masks. These can be either special products or any rich hand cream. The latter should be applied in a thick layer, after which it is recommended to wear cotton gloves.

Methods for preventing dryness

Preventive measures will help avoid many problems.

Wash dishes with gloves: detergents contain high concentrations of surfactants. They will not harm plates and cups, but yes, the delicate skin of your hands.

Also perform cleaning with gloves, even if the instructions for the detergent do not indicate that skin protection is required. Cleaning products often contain lye or other harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate skin of your hands.

In the cold season, make it a rule to wear gloves or mittens; they will protect your hands from the harmful effects of wind and frost.

Tools Overview

The main component of the formula is allantoin, known for its healing properties. The cream intensively nourishes and softens even very dry hand skin, promotes the healing of microcracks and damage.

Allantoin and thermal water from La Roche-Posay mineral springs included in the composition are responsible for the regeneration of the hydrolipidic mantle, promote the healing of damage to the epidermis and restore tenderness to the skin of the hands. The cream is quickly absorbed and has a neutral smell.

Soothing multi-regenerating balm Cicaplast Baume, La Roche-Posay

Shea butter, panthenol, a complex of copper, manganese and zinc improve the skin restoration process. The product also relieves redness and irritation and instantly gives a feeling of comfort.

Care for dry and rough skin Intensive Treatment And Moisturizer, Kiehl’s

Rich in fatty acids, avocado, wheat and shea butters soften rough areas of the hands in just one night. The product will help even if your hands are chapped or in contact with aggressive chemicals (for example, solvent or detergent).