hand and fingersPeeling fingers are a fairly common condition across different populations. Often, this manifests as skin that comes off from the fingers, and is accompanied by a persistent itch or burning sensation. It certainly is a little scary to see the skin peel off your fingers as this creates unsightly marks on your fingers. To understand the causative agent of this condition, it helps to know some of the reasons which contribute to peeling fingertips.

One of the most common causes of this is when an individual suffers from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In some cases, peeling of the fingertips is the sole symptom of an underlying condition, in which case there is the possibility that the condition arises from chronic finger sucking. If you find yourself spending too much time in water, you may also notice the softening and eventual peeling of the skin on your fingers.

The presence of allergens has also been shown to be a causative agent of peeling fingers. In this case, it is important to make mention that this causative factor should not be attributed to common irritants such as soaps and solvents. Allergens in this case, make reference to substances and items which do not usually trigger an allergic reaction in the majority population.

The most common allergens in this case include jewelry made from specific metals, as well as items and protective wear made from latex. Other causes of peeling fingers include severe sunburns, fungal infections and radical changes in the external temperatures. Whichever the case, if peeling fingers do not get resolved after a week or so, it becomes important to seek the services of a dermatologist to determine the way forward. The good news is that there are a number of natural remedies available for the home treatment of peeling fingers, all of which have minimal side effects.

1. Cucumber:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Thick cucumber slices and lukewarm water to rinse.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Cucumber is a handy home remedy for the natural treatment of peeling fingers. It not only ensures that the skin remains hydrated, it also has the capacity to ensure that the skin’s glow is retained, while ensuring its smooth silky feel. The cooling effect of the cucumber slices also helps deal with the burning sensation that accompanies peeling fingers.

Directions:

  1. Wash the cucumber well before cutting it up into thick slices.
  2. Rub the thick cucumber slices on your affected fingers, making sure the juice is well absorbed on the skin.
  3. Rinse the cucumber with lukewarm water before applying an appropriate moisturizer.
  4. The other alternative to the use of cucumber is to prepare grated cucumber which is then applied to the affected fingers. Rinse with warm water as described above.

 

2. Oats:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Powdered oats, a bowl of warm water, a soft cotton towel, and skin moisturizer.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Oats constitute a handy home remedy for the treatment of peeling fingers simply because when soaked in warm water and applied on the skin, it acts as a sponge, effectively removing dead cells on the dry flaky skin. Regular use of oats on the skin has the effect of smooth silky skin. The best time to use this remedy is at bedtime, preferably just after a warm bath when the skin’s pores are opened.

Directions:

  1. Take three heaped tablespoons of powdered oats and transfer to the bowl containing warm water.
  2. Make a paste of sorts while you soak your fingers in the oats. Let the fingers remain in for about 20 minutes.
  3. Clean your hands using warm water and dry with the towel.
  4. Follow this up with the application of an ideal skin moisturizer and repeat daily until you notice an improvement in the condition of your fingers.

 

3. Milk:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Two tablespoons of fresh warm milk (this can be replaced with milk cream which is desired for its high fat content), a tablespoon of honey, warm water, and moisturizing lotion.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Milk has long been considered an excellent home remedy for softer and healthier skin. It is therefore little wonder that milk would rank highly in the natural remedies available for peeling fingers. The nutrients present in milk nourish the sin, while ensuring that it stays hydrated.

Milk cream can be used in place of milk, and is actually an excellent remedy due to its high fat content. The addition of honey is meant to prevent infections that may arise due to the falling out of the skin. Additionally, honey acts as an excellent humectant that assists the skin retain moisture, and therefore combat peeling fingertips. Note that with the use of honey, it is advisable to settle for raw unprocessed honey as it works best in its natural state.

Directions:

  1. Add a tablespoon of honey to two tablespoons of milk or the cream and mix properly.
  2. Apply the resulting mixture on your fingers, taking time to massage gently so that the skin absorbs as many nutrients as it possibly can.
  3. Let the mixture remain on your skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing using warm water. Complete this routine with the application of skin moisturizer.

 

4. Aloe Vera:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: Fresh aloe vera leaf and warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

A list of remedies for the treatment of just about any skin condition is incomplete without the inclusion of the aloe vera plant, and this is not any different with the treatment of peeling fingers. Aloe vera has remarkable soothing and cooling properties that make it ideal for dealing with the symptoms of this condition. The topical application of this gel effectively helps deal with the irritation and the peeling of the skin. In addition to this, the gel of the plant protects the skin from infection while helping in the retaining of skin moisture. If you suffer regularly from peeling fingers, you may want to consider planting the aloe vera plant for a constant supply of this remarkably efficient home remedy.

Directions:

  1. Simply collect the viscous gel that is formed when you cut the leaf off the plant, and apply this gel on the affected fingers.
  2. Let the gel remain in place for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Make sure you apply an ideal skin moisturizer to enhance the benefits of aloe vera gel.
  3. The other alternative to the topical application of aloe vera gel is preparing the juice from the plant and drinking it twice daily. Note however, that due to its laxative effect when used in excessive amounts, it is not advisable to take the aloe juice in copious amounts. Expectant ladies and lactating moms are advised against drinking aloe vera juice. Matter of fact, this is what makes topical application of he gel a preferable method of dealing with this remedy.

 

5. Raw Papaya:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Raw ripe papaya, warm water to rinse, and two tablespoons of raw honey (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Raw ripe papaya is rich in antioxidants, a factor which contributes to its efficiency in the treatment of peeling fingers. This antioxidants not only prevent additional damage to the skin, it also creates a coating that retains moisture under the skin while promoting the healing of your fingers. This works through the papaya’s enzymatic action which effectively gets rid of dead cells on he skin. Honey may be incorporated into this remedy for its healing and hydrating properties.

Directions:

  1. Clean the papaya and peel it before chopping into small pieces in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle the honey over the chopped pieces.
  3. Mix the two ingredients well and mash the papaya pieces until you have a thick and consistent mass.
  4. Scoop a generous amount of the pste and slather it on your fingers.
  5. Let the mix remain on your fingers for about 15 minutes, and then wash off with warm water. Do not forget to follow this through with the application of a skin moisturizer.

 

6. Olive Oil:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: Olive oil
Difficulty: Easy

 

Olive oil is an ideal home remedy for the treatment of peeling fingers. This oil is rich in omega 3 and a host of other important fats that have been shown to be integral to the skin’s health and the overall well being of the body. In addition to this, olive oil also helps to retain the skin’s moisture, keeping it hydrated and preventing the drying and peeling off of the flaky skin.

Directions:

  1. Simply place two drops of the oil on the palms of your hands before applying on the affected fingers.
  2. Allow the olive oil to stay on the skin for the best results. Repeat this remedy thrice daily or until you notice an improvement in the condition of your skin. Introducing this remedy to your skin care routine goes a long way in ensuring your skin remains soft and supple.

 

7. Castor Oil:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: Castor oil
Difficulty: Easy

 

Castor oil has been used since time immemorial for the management of different skin conditions, of which peeling fingers is one of them. This oil works by getting rid of the flaky skin and enhancing the skin’s capacity to regenerate. Additionally, it seals in the moisture and gives the skin the chance to heal from within. The best time to apply castor oil is at bedtime when the oil is left on the skin for action at night.

Directions:

  1. Place two drops of the castor oil on the palms of your hands and apply on the affected fingers.
  2. Let the oil remain on your fingers overnight for best results.

 

Other handy remedies used for the treatment of peeling fingers include lemon juice whose high concentration of Vitamin C helps nourish the skin, baking soda which effectively deals with the inflammation and irritation of the peeling fingers as well as bananas whose nutritional value has a positive effect on the skin. It is important not to forget the role of good old petroleum jelly which locks in moisture and enhances the skin’s softness.

Remember that for the most part, the healing of peeling fingers can be hastened by following a proper skin care routine. This means avoiding harsh detergents and chemicals, moisturizing the skin after handling water as well as applying sunscreen when exposed to extreme temperatures when spending time outdoors in the sun. As mentioned above, chronic occurrence of peeling fingers warrants a checkup by a dermatologist to allay any concerns of a serious underlying skin condition.

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