Causes and treatment of peeling skin on hands and feet


Peeling skin on legs: Causes, Prevention

If a person notices that the skin on the lower extremities has begun to peel and look dry and unhealthy, then they definitely need proper care.
However, before starting any action, it is recommended to go for a consultation with a doctor, who will make a preliminary diagnosis and, if necessary, prescribe additional examination. After all, it also happens that such symptoms are not only cosmetic in nature, but also signal serious disorders in the body. Human skin is a kind of protective barrier, thanks to which the body remains healthy. This becomes possible due to the fact that the skin does not allow many unfavorable factors to enter: toxins, bacteria, etc.

Initially, you need to figure out why the skin on your legs below the knees is peeling, and only then begin therapeutic or cosmetic measures to restore its normal appearance. Of course, first of all, dry skin of the lower extremities is unsightly, but this condition is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations: itching, pain, peeling, redness, burning, etc.

In total, doctors identify 5 groups of reasons why such changes occur:

  • influence of external factors;
  • age-related changes in the body;
  • progression of chronic diseases;
  • infectious lesion;
  • poor nutrition.

Let's look at each point in more detail.

It’s worth saying right away that most of the factors that lead to peeling of the skin on the legs below the knees can be eliminated without much effort and specific treatment. Many people who have a fairly sensitive epidermis have peeling feet when exposed to aggressive wind, sun, cold, water and air. People with dry skin type suffer the most under such conditions.

The solution to the problem may be to use a rich cream when you go outside in frosty weather, but if it’s summer outside, then cosmetics with increased ultraviolet protection will come in handy (men should also not neglect these recommendations). If the air in the room is dry, then you need to install a humidifier or several containers of water. To humidify the air, you can wash the floors more often without wiping them dry.

If a person uses a foot cream that is not suitable for their skin type, peeling may also occur. Therefore, before buying any cosmetics, it is better to carefully read the recommendations and instructions of the manufacturer. When girls often exfoliate their legs, the function of their sebaceous glands is inhibited, so such products should be used only when absolutely necessary.

Peeling of the legs below the knees can be a symptom of the body's reaction to a food irritant. Simply put, a person has an allergy. In this case, peeling is accompanied by itching. Provocateurs can be artificial and natural materials from which clothes and shoes are made, as well as dust, animal hair, household chemicals and much more. To solve the problem, you need to limit contact with the irritant, or completely eliminate it, and also consult with your doctor about which antihistamines are best to take.

The cause of peeling legs may be insufficient fluid intake, that is, dehydration. To prevent this, you need to drink at least one and a half liters of clean water per day. If you do not heed this recommendation, gradually, starting from the shin area, the peeling will reach the thigh, and even then the process will become irreversible, and it will be impossible to cope with it.

In addition to a small amount of fluid, legs in this condition can be due to the abuse of anti-cellulite products, violation of the rules of visiting the sauna, etc.

External reasons

Your feet, or rather the skin, will not start to become dry and flaky just like that. There are many external factors that provoke the development of this condition, but their complex impact is considered the most dangerous.

Reasons of this type include:

  1. Excessively dry air in the living room during the heating season.
  2. Incorrect wearing of underwear for weight loss, stockings and socks made of synthetic materials, and especially if they still have a tightening effect, which contributes to squeezing blood vessels, poor circulation and improper nutrition of cells.
  3. Aggressive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, including regular visits to the solarium.
  4. Swimming in water with a high chlorine content (swimming pools).
  5. Lack of water purification filters at home.

In most cases, eliminating external negative factors is not difficult.

Age

Unfortunately, no person can influence the natural processes of the body and stop aging. After 50 years, and for some people even earlier, changes in the structure of the skin begin to occur: they become thinner, lose moisture, which leads to peeling of the legs and other areas. This condition is caused by changes in collagen fibers, which are the main building element of the epidermis.

To solve the problem, it is recommended to eat more foods that contain collagen, and also not to neglect drinking clean water, which will help normalize lipid and fat metabolism in tissues.

Peeling of the skin of the legs can occur due to the penetration of pathogenic infections and microorganisms into the epidermis. One of the most common causes is a fungal infection, which can be “caught” in any public place through contact with a carrier of the infection. In addition to dryness and flaking, the feet are very itchy, especially between the toes, involving the foot and lower leg.

For such a disease, therapy is prescribed only by a doctor, but the patient is first advised to undergo an examination with tests that will help determine the type of fungal infection.

In addition to fungus, dryness and flaking of the lower extremities can be a symptom of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or Kawasaki disease. Therapy should also be prescribed by a qualified dermatologist and after laboratory diagnosis.

In addition to skin diseases, itching, dryness, redness and peeling of the legs occur in the presence of concomitant pathologies, including:

Speaking about medications, it is worth noting that if a person takes a lot of hormonal drugs, then the legs can also peel very much below the knees. Similar conditions are observed with short-term or long-term use of ointments with hormones, which lead to dysfunction of the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

Feet can become cracked in people who neglect a balanced diet. The diet of a healthy person should always contain large quantities of fresh vegetables and fruits, vegetable oils, fish and seafood.

But if vitamin deficiency is observed in the body, then peeling of the skin below the knees cannot be avoided. Excessive consumption of drinks containing caffeine (black tea and coffee) and alcohol can also lead to a similar change in the epidermis of the leg.

Why does the skin on the palms and fingers peel?

A dermatologist can determine why the skin on your palms is peeling. The reasons are different: from a lack of vitamins, the harmful effects of chemicals, allergic manifestations to serious infectious and dermatological diseases. Examination of scales from the affected areas will help make an accurate diagnosis.

Causes

The reasons why the skin on the palms and fingers peels are varied, as are the diseases that cause these symptoms:

  • Avitaminosis. Epidermal tissue damage occurs when there is a deficiency of vitamins A and C.
  • Allergies to chemical detergents, latex products and other cosmetics. In response to irritation, the top layer on the hands peels and cracks.
  • Contact dermatitis is a disease of chemical industry workers and anyone who has direct contact with household chemicals, latex gloves (cleaners, housekeepers and all women who clean the house using chemicals).
  • Fungal infections are the most common dermatological disease. Girls (dishwashers, saleswomen in meat departments), male construction workers, workers in hot shops and chemical plants often suffer. It appears as weeping lesions, the surface of which is covered with bubbles, spots, and a whitish coating. The epidermis in them peels off and cracks.
  • Eczema. There are many varieties, manifesting in different areas with the same symptoms. During an exacerbation, blisters and cracks appear, the skin of the affected areas itches and burns. Scratching leads to secondary infection.
  • Psoriasis. The disease is known to be incurable. The appearance of plaques, scales and crusts on the hands and between the fingers is characteristic. The skin becomes rough and causes severe itching.

Other causes of peeling

  1. Peeling of the hands and feet may be associated with endocrine disorders, manifested by increased sweating of the palms and interdigital folds, and roughness. Patients with diabetes have flaky and itchy feet.
  2. A common cause of dry and red hands is chapping in cold weather, the appearance of peeling, and the same changes under the influence of bright sunlight.
  3. Some infectious diseases are accompanied by detachment of the upper epidermis: lupus erythematosus, syphilis, scabies, lichen, hyperkeratosis (increased cell division).
  4. There are causes of dryness and flaking associated with uncontrolled use of antibiotics and antihistamines.
  5. Age-related changes are added: hormonal imbalance, metabolic disorders, reduced immunity.
  6. Some people periodically experience dry and peeling skin on their hands.
    The reason is bad heredity. No treatment is required, but constant care is required.
  7. If you notice that the epidermis is drying or flaking, apply cream, observe and wait. If other symptoms are added, you should consult a dermatologist.

Hand lesions in children

In teenagers, the top layer on the palms of the hands dries out and peels off due to hormonal changes, and not vitamin deficiency, as is often assumed.

! To diagnose peeling skin on the hands of a teenager, it needs to be shown to an immunologist or pediatrician.

The reason for the decrease in the protective functions of the epidermis on the hands of a child may be childhood infectious diseases: measles, scarlet fever, staphylococcus. Often a rash, irritation, itching appears on one hand of a child (usually on the right hand), the cause being a fungus.

Children most often become infected with it because they touch dirty objects on the street. Such diseases are difficult to treat and recur (either disappear or reappear). The photo shows features of fungal infection of the hands.

Treatment

Spring vitamin deficiency is identified as a separate disease. For treatment, a course of vitamin complexes and the consumption of fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy products are prescribed. Allergy treatment is carried out with Bepanten, Elocom, Fenistil, the course is supplemented with folk remedies and avoidance of foods such as chocolate, honey, carbonated drinks and others.

When treating contact dermatitis, you should remove all aggressive chemicals, use moisturizers, emollients, ointments and creams, use antibiotics and antiviral medications. Dermatitis and eczema are treated with anti-inflammatory and antiallergic drugs. It is necessary to find out the cause of the exacerbation and follow a diet during such periods.

Fungal diseases are diagnosed after examining the scales under a microscope. Drugs for the treatment of candidiasis: Ketocanazole, Candide, Clotremizan, Fluconazole and others. They are taken for a long time (up to 1 month) until the symptoms disappear. Antifungal ointments are used externally for another week after recovery for prevention.

For mycosis, in addition to pharmaceutical medications, treatment with folk remedies is used in the form of infusions, decoctions, herbal baths (celandine, lavender extract, chamomile), various oils (almond, flaxseed, sage oil). A potato mask moisturizes well and makes your hands soft and tender (raw grated potatoes are applied to the damaged areas, a glove is put on your hand for two hours).

Hand masks are prepared from fermented milk products (sour cream or kefir is applied to the dry surfaces of the palms and covered with a napkin). It is good to wipe the outer side of the brush dehydrated in the sun with cucumber juice. Use an oatmeal scrub to remove the stratum corneum.

Prevention

To avoid unpleasant symptoms on the skin of the palms and fingers (itching, peeling, cracks), you need to: moisturize them daily, exfoliate dead cells, wash your hands with cosmetics containing glycerin, take baths with herbal infusions, give preference to hypoallergenic cosmetics. It is necessary to include the following components in the diet: greens, nuts, cereals, cereals, vegetable oil, and take complexes of vitamins and minerals.

Remember! Hands, our main helpers, need constant care, perhaps even more than the face and other parts of the body.

Hands should be protected from temperature changes. In cold weather, be sure to wear warm gloves or mittens, avoid contact with the ground and cement during construction work, and if necessary, wear protective gloves. Dishwashing detergents should be gentle, do not forget rubber gloves (if you are not allergic to them!).

Severely irritate the skin of the hands and feet, mechanical injuries lead to cracks, as well as burns and hypothermia. If dryness on the inside of your palms appears as a result of dehydration, you should increase the amount of water you drink to cope with it.

Conclusion

If the epidermis is damaged due to endocrine disorders or other internal disorders of the body, these conditions must be stabilized by taking medications prescribed by a specialist. Often the skin on the hands peels off due to exacerbation of parasitic diseases.

In this case, you cannot do without medication. The causes of peeling on the palms of the hands can be different: from simple hypothermia to serious infections. It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. Follow preventive measures, and the skin on your hands will be clean and soft.

Source: //dermatologiya.com/gribkovye-zabolevaniya/pochemu-shelushitsya-kozha-na-ladonyah-i-paltsah-ruk/

Prevention

If you don’t want your feet to start cracking, peeling, or itching, then it is recommended to follow standard prevention rules. If a person visits a swimming pool, sauna, wears someone else’s slippers, or buys shoes to try on in a store, then it is recommended that he always put on disposable socks first. This way you can avoid direct contact with pathogenic bacteria, because your foot will be protected. You still can’t use the same personal hygiene items, as the fungus is transmitted very quickly.

As for the condition of the body, first of all it is necessary to promptly treat all skin diseases. You definitely need to fill your diet with healthy foods and give up fast food.

Causes of peeling skin

If your skin is peeling on your arms and legs, there can be a variety of reasons.

Exposure to the skin of natural and climatic phenomena - wind, frost, sun rays. Most often, the skin peels off in winter. The skin does not tolerate excessive cold, dry air and direct sunlight.

To eliminate such problems, you need to lubricate your skin with a cream suitable for this time of year before leaving the house.

Important! To eliminate dry air in the room, you can install a special device that humidifies the air.

Problems with peeling skin on the hands and feet can be caused by the use of inappropriate skin care products. When purchasing skin care products, you need to choose according to your skin type.

An incorrectly selected product can also cause allergic reactions.

Important! Women with dry skin are not recommended to use various scrubs and peels.

The cause of this problem may be excessive moisture loss. In this case, this problem can be solved with the help of moisturizing creams, as well as increasing the daily volume of water consumed.

Do you have severely flaky skin on your legs and arms? You may be allergic to any product or drug or component of a cosmetic product. If you are prone to allergies, you should buy hypoallergenic skin care products.

Important! If you are predisposed to such reactions, it is better to use hypoallergenic cosmetics and monitor your diet more closely.

A common cause of such troubles may be a lack of vitamin B in the body. Eat more dairy products, nuts, and fresh greens. Take a vitamin complex with a high content of B vitamins.

The hereditary factor also plays a role. Skin type is inherited. Teenagers 13-15 years old are faced with dryness, or, on the contrary, with excessive oiliness of the face.

Peeling in girls aged 12-16 years and in women during menopause can be caused by hormonal changes.

Removing peeling skin on the palms of the hands

Peeling skin on your hands is unpleasant. It causes discomfort and also spoils the appearance of the limbs. Of course, no one wants to walk around with something like that. To solve the problem correctly, you need the following:

  • determine why the skin on your hands is peeling;
  • apply adequate treatment;
  • prevent the problem from recurring.

If everything is done in this order, the peeling of the skin on the palms of your hands will go away and will no longer bother you. In this article we will write about how to proceed in order.

Photo from the site: WomanRoutine.ru

Why does the skin on the palms of the hands peel?

Why does the skin on my hands peel? There may be reasons for this:

For external reasons, your hands peel if you don’t take good care of your skin. This occurs due to dry skin. Under what conditions does this happen?

Hot water has a negative effect on the skin of your hands. It takes moisture from the skin. Therefore, try to wash in well-warm, not hot water. If you had to come into contact with her for any work, do not forget about hydration. It must be timely.

Dirty water also negatively affects the condition of the skin of your hands. If you constantly come into contact with it, then not only peeling will appear on your hands, but also inflammation due to the presence of microbes in the dirt.

The skin on men's hands often peels, the reason being poor care. Representatives of the stronger sex rarely moisturize their hands or try to at least protect them with gloves. True, there are cases when men’s skin also suffers from hidden diseases.

Photo from the site: kiev.cleaning

Also, the skin on your hands flakes and peels off after contact with low-quality or simply unsuitable household chemicals. It can either dry out the skin too much or cause allergic reactions on it.

To eliminate hand skin problems caused by external factors, it is enough to stop the causes. It is also important to keep your hands well moisturized.

Internal causes are difficult to determine. It happens that a person devotes a lot of time to cosmetic care of his limbs, but peeling skin on his hands still appears.

Why do the palms of your hands peel in this case? The reason is due to diseases of the body, the symptoms of which appear gradually. It happens that the first bells are just visible on the hands.

Flaky spots on the hands can be a result of hormonal imbalances. Due to the loss of balance in metabolism, the skin begins to function not as it should. This changes its condition and appearance. It may become too fat, but it may also skew in the opposite direction, leading to dryness and flaking.

Redness and peeling of the skin on your hands can occur due to an allergic reaction to something. Most often the reason is household chemicals, but there are still many irritants that should not be ruled out.

Separately, it should be noted allergies to cold and ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun. Recently, such reactions are becoming more common in people.

Photo from the site: maska-skrab.ru

The skin of the hands also peels due to a lack of vitamins and nutrients. With hypovitaminosis, the skin tissues simply do not have enough resources for normal functioning. As a result, dryness comes. Sometimes in such cases the skin turns gray.

Skin is an indicator of the state of the body. It responds to all diseases, including those of internal organs.

Another factor is diseases of the skin itself. Various dermatitis, eczema and even psoriasis appear as peeling on the palms.

Why does the skin on my hands dry and peel if all these reasons are excluded? Perhaps there are pests in the pores. These are mites, fungi and infections.

Knowing exactly why your hands are peeling, you can quickly get rid of this problem. After all, inadequate treatment takes time and brings virtually no results.

If the peeling is not very pronounced and you know exactly its cause, you can try to improve the situation at home.

But if dryness is accompanied by severe itching, pain and increases, then it is better to consult a dermatologist who will objectively prescribe treatment.

Photo from the site: www.losterin.ru

Hands are peeling: what to do?

If your hands are peeling, do the following:

  1. Change your lifestyle, strengthen hand skin care.
  2. Carry out moisturizing procedures for external causes of the problem or undergo therapy for internal ones.
  3. Decide on the prevention of peeling.

First of all, you should take care of moisturizing the skin, as well as eliminating negative influence factors. Wear gloves when doing dirty housework and gardening. Also, always wear warm gloves or mittens during the cold season. This will protect the skin, so it will need moisturizing less. She will be able to regulate herself.

But you can’t do without creams either. It is necessary to moisturize your hands with cosmetics morning and evening. Use products intended for summer or winter, depending on what season it is. Don't forget about masks. They nourish the skin with vitamins and soften it. Thus, skin care will be comprehensive and correct.

Photo from website: IDEALES.ru

If the cause of peeling is a lack of vitamins, then you will have to change your diet or start taking medications. The latter are not very effective, and they cannot be used endlessly, as this negatively affects the body.

But the diet can be changed without a second thought, and for a long time. You should eat more fruits and vegetables, especially greens. Nuts, grains, dairy products and beans are also good for the skin. Separately, vegetable oil should be mentioned.

It must be taken both internally and externally, lubricating your hands.

Photo from the site: eruditochka.ru

If the cause is illness, the doctor will prescribe medications that will either cure skin problems or relieve symptoms. You will have to be content with the latter option if you have inherited eczema or psoriasis. It’s still difficult to argue with genetics.

To prevent flaking and itching from returning, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat well, and avoid contact with things that cause a negative reaction in the body.

Photo from the site: OMaske.ru

Moisturizing masks for flaky hand skin

They should be used if the cause of peeling is purely external. In this case, your hands need increased hydration.

Moisturizing with oils

This can be achieved using an oil mask. What you will need:

  • vegetable oil (preferably olive);
  • chamomile essential oil;
  • capsules of vitamins A and E.

You should heat the oil, add 5-6 drops of essential oil to it. Then break it into the mixture and pour the vitamins. All this needs to be mixed. Keep your hands in this mask for about 15 minutes. There is no need to wash them after this. Blot them with a napkin or towel so that the fat does not drip from your hands and stain everything around.

Chamomile mask

You can also make chamomile moisturizing masks. To do this, brew the herb and cool slightly. Add a tablespoon of flaxseed and almond oil to the broth. Essential oils are also added there. You can use the ones you like best. Keep your hands in this mixture for fifteen minutes.

Even if your dryness and flaking are not very severe, you should still eliminate the problem. After all, if it gets worse, then you will have to endure significant discomfort, and this is unnecessary suffering that may not exist.

Watch also the video on this topic. It contains additional information that may help you.

Source: //yhozhennaya.ru/articles/ukhod-za-rukami/ubiraem-shelushenie-kozhi-na-ladonyakh-ruk.html

Diseases that cause peeling skin

In some cases, the reasons for peeling skin on the arms and legs may be various diseases:

  • Scabies - This disease causes the skin to peel and itch between the fingers and toes.
  • Fungal pathology leads to the appearance of a specific rash, spots on the skin that itch and itch. If left untreated, the rash spreads to healthy areas of the skin.
  • Specific bacterial infection - some pathogenic bacteria lead to pronounced peeling of the skin, while the rash does not itch.
  • Dermatosis is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology that is congenital in nature. In this case, the skin on the feet peels off.
  • Specific chronic skin pathology is psoriasis, lichen planus. Accompanied by a characteristic rash and peeling on the elbows, feet and dorsum of the feet.
  • Acquired zinc deficiency can lead to cracking of the fingertips, hands, and feet. This is accompanied by redness and itching, leading to the formation of blisters.

There are many other diseases that require specialist intervention and competent treatment.

Important! In these cases, do not self-medicate under any circumstances - this can aggravate the situation and lead to a deplorable state of health.

Causes

The palms and fingers are covered with very thin skin, which has practically no sebaceous glands. In addition, the epidermal layer contains very little fluid. These factors lead to the fact that, with any negative impact, the skin on the hands dries out and begins to peel.

In most cases, the reasons that cause itching, dryness and flaking are quite commonplace. After eliminating them, your hands look healthy and well-groomed again. These include:

  • frequent use of soap with antibacterial or deodorizing components;
  • drying your hands with a towel that is too hard and scratches your skin;
  • using household chemicals without protective gloves;
  • incorrect selection of cosmetics for care;
  • mechanical damage - scratches, abrasions, wounds;
  • prolonged exposure of fingers and palms to water, most often associated with professional activities.

In addition, the skin on the hands can peel off under the influence of atmospheric factors - frost, wind, sun rays. The epidermis can also react to frequent changes in temperature with dryness and the appearance of cracks.

All of the above reasons are easily removable, but there are factors that are more difficult to get rid of. These include:

  • genetic predisposition, inherited;
  • hormonal disruptions in the body (in adolescence, during pregnancy, during menopause);
  • metabolic disease;
  • lack of vitamins or other nutrients;
  • long-term use of medications, especially antibiotics and corticosteroids;
  • improper diet and diet.

One of the reasons for dry and flaky skin on the hands or feet is smoking and other bad habits.

The skin can dry out, peel and crack due to many diseases, among which the most common are:

  • Ichthyosis is a genetic pathology in which the skin on the torso and arms thickens, becoming covered with small scales that resemble fish scales.
  • Psoriasis is an autoimmune pathology when bright pink spots covered with scales appear on the torso, feet and palms.
  • Atopic dermatitis is an allergic disease, one of the symptoms of which is peeling of the skin.
  • Dyshidrosis - small vesicles with fluid form between the fingers or toes. They burst, causing severe itching and the appearance of scales.
  • Scarlet fever is an infectious disease in which, on days 5-6, peeling of the skin on the palms and fingers begins and large areas of the epidermis are rejected.
  • Eczema is weeping lesions that form on the body, neck, arms and legs, dry out and peel over time.
  • Scabies. The causative agent of this disease, the scabies mite, is localized in the interdigital area on the hands, resulting in the formation of convex nodules that itch and peel.
  • Syphilis. A secondary sign of the disease is redness on the palms, dryness and the appearance of scales.

The skin on your fingers, hands and palms can dry out and peel if you get a fungal infection. Most often this occurs with pityriasis versicolor and lichen planus, dermatomycosis, and onychomycosis. An advanced fungus is difficult to treat, so it is important to diagnose this disease as early as possible.

The skin can peel off not only in adults, but also in children. In most cases, the cause of dryness in babies is a lack of vitamins, allergies, exposure to wind and cold, and bacterial infections . A pediatric dermatologist can determine the cause and help eliminate it.

What to do if your skin is very flaky?

If you have signs of a skin disease, then you need to see a doctor who will prescribe treatment for you. But whatever the reasons, use the following recommendations:

  • Do not wear clothes made from artificial, non-breathable fabrics.
  • Change cosmetics, buy hypoallergenic ones with a neutral ph level.
  • Do not swim in very hot water.
  • After bathing, moisturize your skin with a nourishing cream, which preferably contains vegetable oil and natural extracts.
  • Avoid peeling, hair removal and depilation for a while.
  • Do not go to a sauna or other place where there are strong temperature changes.
  • Use towels made from natural materials. You should always have a separate one!
  • Avoid body scrubs for a while. Dry sensitive skin can be cleaned by rubbing it with brewed tea leaves, watermelon pulp, a small slice of apple or a slice of cucumber. After cleansing, be sure to apply moisturizer to your face.
  • Balance your diet. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Dry skin needs to be constantly moisturized. Make masks from natural products. Perfectly moisturizes butter and olive oil, milk, honey, oatmeal. If you mix all these ingredients, you get an excellent mask.
  • If you can’t cope with the problem yourself, visit a cosmetologist, only a proven one. A good specialist will prescribe the drug in the form of a cream or spray based on provitamin B5. This will promote cell restoration and soften damaged areas of the skin.

Important! For prevention in the autumn-winter period, it is recommended to take vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as eat more vegetables and fruits.

The cause of this problem may be excessive moisture loss. In this case, this problem can be solved with the help of moisturizing creams, as well as increasing the daily volume of water consumed.

Dry skin on hands and feet - causes

Even those women who carefully take care of themselves often suffer from such a nuisance as dry skin on their hands and feet - the reasons for this phenomenon can be not only a lack of hydration. Often the appearance of peeling and irritation signals the presence of chronic diseases of internal organs and systems. Therefore, before stocking up on nourishing creams, it is worth finding out the factor that provokes dryness of the epidermis.

Why is the skin on my hands and feet a little dry?

If the described defect is not always observed, is weakly expressed and disappears after applying moisturizers, its causes may be as follows:

  • sudden changes in temperature;
  • prolonged exposure to cold or direct sunlight;
  • low indoor humidity;
  • improper or insufficient skin care;
  • mechanical contact with an aggressive environment (hot, cold water, detergents);
  • age-related changes;
  • wearing synthetic irritating clothing;
  • poorly selected hygiene cosmetics;
  • frequent dermabrasion or peeling sessions;
  • depilation and hair removal;
  • bad habits;
  • unbalanced diet.

Dry skin on the hands and feet can also be caused by genetic or physiological characteristics of the body.

Causes of very dry and flaky skin on hands and feet

Constant dryness of the epidermis and the presence of scales on its surface indicate more serious problems and even systemic diseases:

  • dehydration due to digestive disorders;
  • hypovitaminosis;
  • diabetes;
  • increased body temperature, fever;
  • exposure to stress;
  • hypothyroidism;
  • keratoses;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • psoriasis;
  • cirrhosis of the liver;
  • prolonged use of hormonal ointments or creams;
  • fungal infections;
  • eczema;
  • hepatitis;
  • allergic reactions;
  • dermatitis;
  • bacterial and viral lesions of the skin;
  • intestinal malabsorption;
  • chronic renal failure;
  • ichthyosis;
  • xeroderma;
  • diseases of the nervous system;
  • oncological pathologies;
  • long-term use of antibiotics, retinoids or diuretics;
  • disturbances of blood microcirculation in tissues;
  • mental illness and depression;
  • cholecystitis;
  • stones in the kidneys;
  • inflammation of the genitourinary system.

What to do if your hands are dry

First you need to understand that dry hand skin is a temporary problem. The situation can be easily corrected if you follow useful tips and try to avoid dangerous factors in the future. Let's look at how to get rid of dry hand skin:

  • if the problem is critical: there are deep cracks, calluses, wounds, the skin is very flaky - you should contact a dermatologist or cosmetologist to select effective restorative therapy;
  • if the skin is simply dry and does not look very beautiful, various creams, therapeutic masks and oils will certainly help you.

Causes of peeling

All the reasons that can cause dry skin on the legs are divided depending on the cause. Most of the factors are external influences that can be easily eliminated and then the skin of the legs will return to its normal state. But there is a small chance that the peeling is a sign of a serious internal disease that requires medical attention.

External factors

Peeling skin may be the first warning sign of serious internal diseases. But if it is localized in one area and itches, then most often it is the result of external influences. There are a large number of reasons that can affect the skin of the feet, and it is impossible to take them all into account. Therefore, it is necessary to know the main factors that affect the legs.

  1. Dry air due to heating or constant use of air conditioning.
  2. Allergic reaction to household chemicals.
  3. Allergy to cosmetics.
  4. Wearing clothes (underwear, pants, socks) that are small, which causes pressure on the blood vessels in the legs and uneven distribution of nutrients. This effect can also be caused by shapewear of the wrong size, or worn on the body for more than 5 hours.
  5. Dry skin due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.
  6. Contact with skin of liquids with a high content of chlorine or other impurities that are used in tap water. This effect can be achieved both by home water treatments and by going to the pool.
  7. Infectious diseases affecting the skin.
  8. Wearing winter boots in a well-heated room.

Most of the external factors are easily removable, but if remission does not occur after taking preventive measures, you should consult a doctor. After all, this may be the first sign of the development of a serious disease. You should also do this if redness appears at the site of peeling, because this is most likely an infection.

Internal diseases

The causes of peeling legs below the knees may be a violation of the health of the body. Dry skin can occur either from local damage or from a general disease.

Common causes of dry skin:

  • diabetes;
  • disturbances in liver function;
  • kidney dysfunction;
  • erythroderma;
  • psoriasis;
  • eczema.

Internal causes also include a sedentary lifestyle. Because of this, veins and blood vessels are compressed, which leads to the supply of fewer nutrients necessary for the skin. This makes itself felt even if a person plays sports after a long day of work at the computer.

If the skin of the legs below the knees dries out due to an internal disease, then it is impossible to cure it on your own. Only a qualified doctor can accurately determine the cause and create the most appropriate course of treatment.

Therefore, before trying home methods, you should undergo a medical examination that will identify the source. And after treatment, you can use preventive measures and home methods for healing your skin.

Preventive measures

When the skin on a woman’s legs peels below the knees, it is easier to cure the disease once, and then constantly maintain the condition of the skin. This is much easier to do than having medical procedures done every six months.

  1. It is very important to humidify the air in the apartment, especially during the heating season.
  2. You should avoid antibacterial soaps or those that contain many additional substances (dyes, fragrances).
  3. Use only proven high-quality cosmetics that do not contain toxic additives.
  4. Exfoliate the skin every week to get rid of dead particles from the feet.
  5. Moisturize your legs and feet with coconut oil or body milk.
  6. Reduce the amount of synthetic clothing adjacent to the affected area.
  7. Remove boots or other warm footwear indoors.
  8. When working sedentarily, alternate periods of immobility with walking. The most useful thing is to get up and walk every 20 minutes. This will have a beneficial effect not only on the skin, but also on work productivity.

Home care methods

External effects will be ineffective if the lack of nutrients that are necessary for the skin is not eliminated. Therefore, you should reconsider your diet. It is advisable to increase the amount of stewed fish and fresh salads seasoned with vegetable oil.

It is also important to eat grains rich in fiber. Doctors recommend starting courses of vitamin supplements in late autumn and early winter. This is necessary in order to support the body, which suffers from a lack of fresh greens, fruits or vegetables.

If the reason is insufficient subcutaneous blood circulation, then you can strengthen it with the help of foot baths. For this, procedures not only with warm water are suitable, but also quick dipping into containers of different temperatures.

If the skin of your feet is steamed, you can add a decoction of herbs that will help reduce peeling. Oak bark, chamomile, sage or St. John's wort are good options. It is advisable to alternate them throughout the course.

If the skin is insufficiently nourished, you can deliver beneficial substances using a foot mask. To do this, you need to purchase vitamins A and E at the pharmacy, which are sold in ampoules. You will also need 100 g of thick sour cream and 40-50 g of coconut oil.

Sour cream and butter are thoroughly mixed, then 1 bottle of medicine is added and the mixture is applied to the feet. The entire smeared surface is wrapped in cling film for 20 minutes so that the vitamins do not oxidize in the air. After completion, simply rinse off the substance with warm water.

Cleansing with paraffin. Depending on the affected area, you will need 2-3 thick suppositories. They are lit and gently dripped onto flaky skin so that the drop does not burn. When the piece hardens, cover the area nearby. Do not bring the candle very close to the skin, otherwise you may get burned. And after the entire affected area has disappeared, the procedure is repeated 1-2 more times. After this, the leg is wrapped in cling film, and after 1 hour it is thoroughly cleaned with fine pumice. The course consists of 5-10 procedures. When carrying out the last 4-5 wrapping procedures, it is advisable to use beeswax candles.

It is important to remember that this procedure can only be carried out if there are no scratches, otherwise the hot mass will corrode the wound.

Finding the cause of dryness and eliminating it is the best way to cure peeling feet. If you react early, you can avoid the cost of restoring the affected area. It is best to immediately consult a doctor who will help exclude serious diseases and skin infections from the group of causes.

Sour cream and butter are thoroughly mixed, then 1 bottle of medicine is added and the mixture is applied to the feet. The entire smeared surface is wrapped in cling film for 20 minutes so that the vitamins do not oxidize in the air. After completion, simply rinse off the substance with warm water.

Why is the skin on my feet dry and flaky?

Dry skin on the legs most often appears in winter and autumn. It is during this period that the human body is most weakened and requires maximum care. This article will talk about what causes dry skin on the legs and how to get rid of it.

Dry skin on the legs can occur for the following reasons:

  • A lack of moisture in the upper layer of the skin is the most common cause of dry epidermis of the legs. In addition to dryness in this state, a person may also experience a feeling of tightness and flaking.

The lack of moisture in the skin itself can be due to two reasons. The first reason is a sudden disruption of blood circulation. As a result, the tissues will not receive the necessary nutrition and moisture.

The second reason is the use of synthetic underwear and clothing, in which the skin does not “breathe” and cannot replenish its water balance.

  • Varicose veins, in addition to pain, can also cause pathological dryness of the legs, especially on the lower legs. In this condition, a person should immediately consult a doctor, because this disease can cause a blood clot in the veins and vessels.
  • Poor or poorly balanced nutrition, in which a person does not receive even half of the nutrients. In this condition, he may develop not only dry skin, but also dull hair, rashes, thinning of the nail plate, lethargy, and frequent respiratory diseases.

Moreover, frequent adherence to too restrictive diets also has a bad effect on the functioning of the body, so a person can “earn” not only dry skin on his feet, but also problems with the digestive tract.

  • Insufficient cosmetic hydration of the skin of the legs. At the same time, many women pay close attention to moisturizing the skin of the face, arms and neck, but the legs (especially the feet) are often forgotten, although this part of the body is in great need of constant care.

Dry feet can be especially pronounced in older people, who for physiological reasons become more susceptible to this problem.

  • Seasonal vitamin deficiency can cause temporary dry skin on the legs.
  • Incorrectly selected cosmetics for foot skin care can not only lead to dryness, but also cause irritation and redness of the skin. Poor-quality or stitched creams and lotions pose an even greater danger.
  • The lack of a procedure for cleansing the skin of dead cells can lead to rough skin and severe flaking. This is especially necessary for those people who spend a lot of time “on their feet.”
  • Bad habits - smoking and drinking alcohol - negatively affect the functioning of the whole body and can easily cause dry skin on the feet. Moreover, it has been proven that smoking contributes to early aging of the epidermis, so youth and cigarettes are not compatible concepts.
  • Various diseases such as diabetes, psoriasis or eczema can cause pathological dry skin, as they have a strong negative impact on the body's systems. Moreover, hormonal imbalance can also have a bad effect on the condition of the skin of the legs.
  • Fungal infections. This is usually observed with weakened immunity, during which a person becomes more susceptible to various external diseases.

What is dry hand skin

Cracked, flaky palms look repulsive and add age to their owner. In addition, cracks in the skin are open doors for infections and prevent the dermis from performing its barrier functions.

Externally, dry skin looks less elastic on both sides of the palm, has a dull hue, is sometimes dotted with invisible cracks, and feels tight and other unpleasant sensations. After working in water or with household chemicals, the troubles intensify; the skin becomes very rough and may begin to itch and peel.

Dehydration of the skin is designated by the medical term “xerosis” and serves as a signal that it is necessary to take care of the health of your hands and provide them with special care.

What does itching mean?

Itchy skin on the legs is usually due to an allergic reaction. The source of itching can be anything - food, poor-quality clothing, taking certain medications, etc.

If itching appears on the skin, it is recommended to contact an allergist or dermatologist as soon as possible to begin treatment before the disease begins to manifest itself more actively.

Most likely, in this condition the patient will be prescribed antihistamines and ointments.

Methods for treating dry skin on feet

There are the following methods for treating dry skin on the legs:

  1. Getting rid of the root cause of dry skin.
  2. Drug treatment.
  3. Use of cosmetics.
  4. Folk recipes.

Let's look at each of these methods in more detail.

Eliminating the cause

Treatment for dry skin on the feet depends on the specific cause that caused this disorder.

Thus, there are the following nuances of initial therapy:

  • If dryness is caused by a specific disease (diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, eczema, etc.), then the person must be prescribed complex medical therapy for these diseases. This is the only way to get rid of this manifestation of pathology.
  • In the event that dry skin was caused by a deficiency of nutrients, a person needs to contact a nutritionist so that he can write out a balanced menu for him. In this case, your diet should be enriched with fruits, vegetables, herbs, cereals and meat. Nuts, honey, dried fruits, dairy products and seafood are also very useful.

As an additional saturation of the body with useful substances, a person is recommended to take vitamin complexes (vitamin A, E, C, etc.). The duration of such a course should be at least a month.

  • If dry skin is caused by an allergic reaction to a medication, its use should be discontinued. A person may also be prescribed medications to relieve allergies.
  • If dry skin is caused by the use of synthetic clothing, it should be discarded and replaced with better quality natural clothing.

Medicines

The prescription of medications for dry skin largely depends on the specific cause that caused the problem.

Thus, a person can be prescribed the following medications:

  1. For an allergic reaction, antihistamines are used.
  2. For skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis), emollient ointments with Vaseline or glycerin are used. Lactic acid-based creams may also be prescribed.
  3. If the cause of dry skin is diabetes mellitus, the patient is prescribed medications to normalize blood sugar levels and stabilize blood pressure.
  4. If the cause of dry skin is varicose veins, then the person is prescribed vascular medications in the form of tablets and ointments.

Cosmetical tools

The following cosmetics will help cope with dry skin on your feet:

  • Essential oils. They will deeply nourish the epidermis and saturate it with useful substances. You can use these products every day after taking a shower.

The most effective oils for dry skin are peach oil, almond oil, tea tree oil and flaxseed oil.

  • Milk for dry skin. They should replace regular soap. It will cleanse the skin more gently and not dry it out.
  • Moisturizing cream. You need to use this product every morning and evening.

Folk recipes

Let's consider the most effective folk recipes for dry skin of the feet:

  1. Polishing the feet. To do this, you need to make a preliminary foot bath, and then use a special pedicure file to get rid of dead skin. At the end of the procedure, rinse your feet again with water and apply a rich cream.

Put plastic bags and warm woolen socks on your feet. Repeat the procedure twice a week.

  1. Remedy for dry knees. To prepare it, you need to squeeze lemon juice and mix it with almond oil. Apply the product to a damp towel and apply to your knees. After fifteen minutes, remove and lubricate your knees with cream.

At the end of the procedure, you will receive not only smooth epidermis, but also a fresh, pleasant skin scent.

  1. Cucumber water. To prepare it, you need to squeeze the juice from a fresh cucumber and add a little alcohol to it. Leave for three days.

Apply this product with massage movements onto dry skin.

  1. Baths with herbs. They will moisturize the skin, relieve microcracks, dryness and irritation. To prepare them, you can use chamomile, nettle or hops.

First you need to pour boiling water over the herbs, and when the water cools down a little, take a foot bath.

The following cosmetics will help cope with dry skin on your feet:

About the author: kosmetologclear

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Peeling of the skin on the palms of the hands and between the fingers in an adult and child

Peeling skin on the palms of the hands is not only an unpleasant process, but also a clear sign of ill health. This symptom causes significant discomfort, because the palms take on an unaesthetic appearance.

The skin begins to dry out and then peel off, which may be accompanied by severe itching.

How to stop the process and return the skin to a healthy appearance? Before starting treatment, you should consult a dermatologist, determine the reasons for the changes, and only then begin performing the prescribed procedures.

Diagnosis and treatment

Before therapy, it is necessary to reliably determine what cause caused the increased dryness of the hands. Timely consultation with a doctor is the key to quick treatment and relief of symptoms .

A dermatologist conducts an initial examination of the patient. When talking with the patient, he finds out and evaluates the circumstances that could provoke the development of the pathological process. Often it is enough to eliminate the aggressive effects of external irritants for the skin to acquire a healthy appearance. If other causes are suspected, the dermatologist prescribes additional diagnostics:

  • consultation with doctors of narrow specialties - allergist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist,
  • carrying out laboratory tests of blood, urine, skin tests,
  • instrumental methods for studying internal organs and systems.

The results obtained are the basis for prescribing treatment.

Independent use of even “harmless” home remedies can lead to the skin of the palms peeling off, starting to crack and itch very much.

Traditional medicine

Treatment for flaky skin on the palms is complex. Drug therapy is prescribed, the regimen of which includes taking at least two drugs. If the cause of the pathology is related to allergies, the patient is prescribed different medications.

Antihistamines and desensitizing agents:

  • Gismanal.
  • Trexyl.
  • Fexofast.
  • Cromolyn sodium.
  • Suprastin.
  • Diazolin.

Sedative medications:

  • Novo-Passit.
  • Sedavit.
  • Glycine.

Sorbents that help remove toxins from the body:

  • Carbolong.
  • Atoxyl.
  • Filtrum.

When diagnosing dermatological diseases, fungal and parasitic skin lesions, targeted treatment is prescribed. Use topical products. Suitable ointments and creams with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial or antimycotic effects:

  • Exoderil.
  • Levomekol.
  • Syntomycin.

Complexes of vitamins and minerals enhance the therapeutic effect.

When changes in the skin on the palms or soles occur due to metabolic disorders or organ dysfunction, the underlying disease is treated. It is prescribed on an individual basis.

Folk recipes

Folk remedies will help get rid of peeling skin on your hands. Use masks, baths, wraps using decoctions and infusions from natural raw materials with medicinal properties:

  • The basis for preparing healing masks can be finely grated raw potatoes. Another recipe suggests using boiled Hercules flakes with the addition of olive oil. The base is carefully smeared on the right and left palms, and each finger is treated. Then put on cotton gloves and leave for 3-5 hours. The procedure is repeated every other day until the symptoms disappear.
  • Natural honey and olive oil are effective for wrapping. The components are mixed in a ratio of 1:3 until smooth, heated to a boil in a water bath, cooled and applied to the palms. The temperature of the medicine should be comfortable so that the peeling is not accompanied by a burn. Hands are wrapped in gauze napkins for an hour.
  • The base for the baths should have an oily consistency. Dermatologists recommend using chamomile infusion (brew a tablespoon of the plant in a glass of water for 15-20 minutes) with the addition of a tablespoon of natural oil of your choice - flaxseed or almond . Hands are placed in a warm solution for 15-20 minutes.
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