It’s typical for the skin of your hands to peel at least once in your life, but if it happens frequently it might be a sign of keratolysis exfoliativa.
What is keratolysis exfoliativa?
Keratolysis exfoliativa is a common skin ailment that causes localized peeling of the palms and, less frequently, the soles of the feet. This illness can also, sometimes, affect other parts of the body. Exfoliative keratolysis, dyshidrosis lamellosa sicca, and focused palmar peeling are some of the other names for this condition.
Who can be affected by keratolysis exfoliativa?
In most cases, young individuals who are physically active are the ones affected with keratolysis exfoliativa. Some people have a history of the condition running in their families.
What causes keratolysis exfoliativa?
The exact cause of keratolysis exfoliativa is unknown; nevertheless, it appears that heat and sweating make the disease significantly worse. There is also the possibility that it is brought on by a minor level of physical or chemical damage to the stratum corneum of the volar skin, which then results in a superficial separation of the stratum corneum. This is one of the hypotheses that has been put up. To this day, there has been no discovery of any genetic abnormalities.
The symptoms become more severe when the patient is exposed to irritants such as water, soap, detergents, and solvents.
How do you know if it’s maybe keratolysis exfoliativa?
In around fifty percent of those who are afflicted with the condition, keratolysis exfoliativa is more prevalent during the warmer summer months. People who have sweaty hands as a result of localized hyperhidrosis may be more likely to have this condition.
The presence of one or more superficial blisters that are filled with air and can be found on the palms or fingers is the initial indication of keratolysis exfoliativa. When the blisters pop, they leave behind circular or oval skin-peeled areas. Because these peeling regions no longer have their typical barrier function, they are more likely to develop dry and cracked. On the other hand, most people don’t find them irritating.
Sometimes the break in the skin is deeper on the tips of the fingers, and when this happens, the skin feels stiff and numb, and it takes significantly more time to peel off.
Normal skin will develop in due time, although it is common for exfoliative keratolysis to return within a few weeks after normal skin has formed.
How to treat keratolysis exfoliativa?
#1 Protect from Irritants
The peeling off the skin in keratolysis exfoliativa worsens when the peeling skin will be associated with harsh chemical irritants. These irritants may be in the form of water, soap, shampoos, detergents, lotions and more.
When you are experiencing this condition, make sure to temporarily use mild soap and water. Avoid exposure and usage to some chemicals that you notice exacerbates the condition.
#2 Use emollient hand creams
It is important to keep your peeling hands moisturized. In choosing hand creams make sure to find urea, lactic acid or silicone in the ingredient list. These will help your skin lock-in moisture they truly need.
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