[Medical Q&A] Is dry and peeling hands tinea manuum?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Professor Yang Ying, Military Medical Research Institute

Not necessarily. Dry and peeling hands may also be exfoliative keratolysis.

1. What is exfoliative keratolysis?

Exfoliative keratolysis is a superficial exfoliative skin disease of the palms and soles. The skin lesions are initially white spots the size of millet, which gradually expand to the surrounding areas, similar to the blister membrane with dried blister fluid. They are easy to rupture naturally or peel into thin paper-like dandruff after being torn. There is no obvious inflammatory change or itching. It occurs symmetrically on the palms and rarely on the soles. This peeling phenomenon does not affect your health.

2. What are the symptoms?

This disease generally does not cause symptoms such as pain and itching, but many people habitually tear the keratin with their hands before it falls off naturally, which can easily break the skin, causing bleeding and pain, and make the skin lose its natural barrier of the stratum corneum, allowing some bacteria and viruses to take advantage of the opportunity to enter and cause infection. Therefore, once you find that your hands are starting to peel, be sure not to tear them off, and avoid contact with soap, laundry detergent and other irritating substances.

3. How to treat it?

The treatment of this disease is relatively simple. You can apply urea ointment, vitamin E ointment, vaseline ointment or other oily ointments on the cracked and peeling skin. The former can soften the stratum corneum, while the latter can moisturize and protect. It should also be applied frequently after healing as a hand care.

4. How to prevent it?

This disease is more likely to occur at the turn of autumn and winter, which is related to the dry climate. In autumn and winter, the skin lacks moisture, the metabolism is slow, the sebaceous glands function is reduced, and the skin surface is dry, so it is easy to crack and peel. The following points should be noted.

(1) Use moisturizer regularly and avoid excessive cleansing.

(2) Avoid contact with irritants, including metal products such as nickel and cobalt that may cause allergic reactions, and chemicals such as detergents and solvents that may irritate the skin.

(3) Wear appropriate shoes and socks, choose shoes and socks made of breathable materials, and wear shoes that fit your feet.

(4) Maintain good personal hygiene, clean regularly, and trim nails appropriately.