The skin under your nails can sometimes peel, a common phenomenon. This peeling, often minor and temporary, signifies that the skin’s outermost layer is shedding. Various factors, from everyday environmental exposures to underlying medical conditions, can contribute to this. Understanding these potential causes can help in addressing the concern effectively.
Everyday Reasons for Peeling Skin
Dryness is a frequent cause of skin peeling under the nails. Frequent hand washing or prolonged exposure to water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration and peeling. Harsh weather conditions, including dry summers or cold winters, can also damage the skin’s exposed surfaces, making them more susceptible.
Contact with certain chemical agents also contributes to this response. Substances like strong soaps, detergents, or ingredients in nail polish and removers containing acetone or formaldehyde can cause irritation and induce peeling. Minor physical trauma, such as habitually picking at the skin around the nails or nail biting, can cause small injuries and peeling.
Medical Conditions Causing Peeling Skin
Medical conditions can also manifest as peeling skin under the nails, often presenting with additional symptoms. Fungal infections, such as onychomycosis, can affect the keratin in nails and surrounding skin, leading to flakiness, yellowing, and nail separation. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection, frequently causes peeling between the toes and can spread to the skin under the nails.
Eczema, including forms like dyshidrotic eczema or hand eczema, can cause the skin to become dry, inflamed, and flaky, often accompanied by intense itching and cracking. When inflammation occurs around the nail, it can disrupt normal nail growth and contribute to peeling. Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition, may also result in redness, scaling, and cracking of the skin around the fingers and nails.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an allergen, such as specific components in cosmetics or cleaning products, leading to irritation and peeling. Nutritional deficiencies can impact skin health, with insufficient intake of vitamins B (particularly niacin), A, C, E, or iron contributing to dry, scaly, or peeling skin. Less common conditions like exfoliative keratolysis, characterized by small, white, peeling lesions, may also be linked to warm weather and increased sweating.
When to Consult a Doctor
While peeling skin under the nails is often benign, certain signs warrant medical evaluation. If the peeling is persistent, widespread, or accompanied by pain, redness, swelling, or pus, it suggests an underlying issue, such as an infection. Discoloration of the nail, changes in nail texture, or if the peeling extends beyond the immediate nail area also warrant professional advice.
Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable if the peeling is accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fever or unexplained fatigue. A doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, especially when home remedies are ineffective or if the condition reoccurs. Early assessment can help in managing conditions that require specific medical interventions.
Tips for Healthy Skin Under Nails
Maintaining healthy skin under your nails involves consistent care. Regularly moisturizing your hands and nails helps to hydrate the skin, preventing dryness. Applying a rich emollient after hand washing can replenish the skin’s moisture barrier.
Wearing protective gloves for household chores, especially when cleaning or immersing hands in water, shields the skin from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture. Choosing nail polish removers that are acetone-free can also reduce drying effects on nails and surrounding skin. Avoiding habits like nail biting or picking at the skin around the nails minimizes trauma and irritation. Keeping nails clean and trimmed also contributes to overall nail health.