Skin Care

Skin Around Nails Peeling: Unraveling The Mystery Of Peeling Skin!

Skin peeling can be the manifestation of a deeper issue.


Written by Anasooya Thorakkattu

On Aug 23, 2023 – 8 minutes read

Nail skin peeling

Unravelling the mystery behind skin around nails peeling, this article dives deep into the underlying causes, from environmental stressors to nutritional deficiencies.  Harnessing insights from nature, we explore potent home remedies and offer actionable tips for lasting relief. Navigate through this comprehensive guide to understand, treat, and protect the delicate skin encircling your nails.

The world, as we experience it, unfolds predominantly through our senses, and among them, our tactile sensation—primarily through our hands—is paramount. Our hands, with their intricate architecture and sensitivity, aren’t just tools but storytellers of our journey. Imagine, then, the concern when these narrators, particularly the skin around our nails, start to exhibit signs of distress, such as peeling. 

Troubled By Skin Around Nails Peeling? – Discover Effective Solutions

At a superficial glance, skin around nails peeling might seem like a fleeting cosmetic hiccup, perhaps due to weather or a forgotten moisturizing routine. But what if this minor change is a prologue to a deeper narrative about our health, lifestyle, or even emotional well-being? 

Troubled By Skin Around Nails Peeling? -  Discover Effective Solutions

Such seemingly subtle shifts in our skin’s landscape can be akin to the early pages of a book, hinting at chapters filled with revelations about our body’s internal dynamics.

In our fast-paced lives, where every moment seems fleeting, it’s easy to overlook these silent signals. But, as with any well-crafted story, the depth is found in the details. Thus, when the skin, especially around our nails, begins its tale of transformation, it beckons a closer read, urging us to understand its causes, implications, and remedies.

Embarking on this exploration is not merely about skincare. It’s an intimate dialogue with our bodies, deciphering messages it sends and responding with care and consciousness. Through this article, we’ll journey into the deeper layers of the skin peeling around nails phenomenon, seeking understanding, prevention, and healing.

Why Is The Skin Around My Nails Peeling? A Deeper Insight

The skin, our body’s largest organ, acts as a vigilant sentinel, constantly interacting with and responding to our environment. Its reactions, though sometimes subtle, can often be signals calling attention to greater underlying issues. The skin around nails peeling might appear to be a minor concern on the surface, but its causes can range from external triggers to deeper physiological imbalances.

Environmental Stressors:

The world around us isn’t always kind to our skin. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can rob the skin of its natural moisture. Combine this with indoor heating or air conditioning systems, and the skin becomes parched, leading to peeling. Similarly, prolonged immersion in water or frequent handwashing, especially with harsh soaps, can strip away natural oils, rendering the skin dry and susceptible to peeling.

Mechanical Damage:

Daily routines and habits play a role too. Activities like nail-biting or picking, or even aggressive manicure techniques, can damage the tender skin around the nails. Regular exposure to household cleaning agents without protective gloves can also be detrimental.

Allergic Reactions & Sensitivities:

The beauty products we adore might not always love us back. Some nail polishes, hardeners, or acrylic nail applications might contain chemicals that cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. These allergies can manifest as redness, itching, and yes, even peeling skin around nails.

Health Conditions:

The skin’s condition can often mirror internal health. Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis (1), or fungal infections can manifest as skin peeling. In such cases, the peeling isn’t just a cosmetic concern but a symptom of a more significant underlying issue that needs attention.

To truly address the skin peeling around nails, it’s essential to look beyond the surface. Recognizing and understanding these diverse causes allows for more targeted and effective solutions, ensuring our hands remain healthy, comfortable, and beautiful.

What Deficiency Causes Skin To Peel On Fingers? Unearthing The Nutritional Connections

Often, the state of our skin provides a window into our body’s internal workings, with minor surface disruptions signalling deeper nutritional imbalances. Especially when one observes peeling skin around nails, it’s crucial to consider the possibility that certain nutrient deficiencies might be at play. Let’s delve deeper into this often-overlooked connection between nutrition and skin health.

Iron Deficiency:

Iron is a linchpin mineral for our body, chiefly responsible for transporting oxygen to various cells. An iron deficiency, commonly known as anaemia, might manifest in several ways: fatigue, shortness of breath, and indeed, skin anomalies.

Iron Deficiency

With reduced oxygen supply to the skin cells, the skin can become pale, dry, and in certain cases, lead to peeling, especially around the nails. 

Zinc Deficiency:

Playing a sentinel role in our body, zinc is essential for several physiological functions, including skin health and wound healing (2) . A deficiency in zinc can disrupt collagen formation, an essential protein that lends skin its elasticity and strength. As a result, the skin becomes fragile, leading to issues like cracks and peeling skin around nails.

Vitamin Deficiencies:

Vitamins are pivotal players in skin health. For instance, a lack of Vitamin B, especially Biotin or Vitamin B7, can give rise to skin complications, including peeling. Biotin’s role in skin health is substantial, aiding in the formation of the skin’s underlying structure and ensuring its resilience. Additionally, Vitamin C, a powerhouse for collagen synthesis,(3) when in short supply, can compromise skin integrity, leading to peeling and dryness.

Essential Fatty Acids Deficiency:

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, crucial for retaining moisture and keeping irritants at bay. Insufficient intake can make the skin prone to dryness and peeling.

Beyond these common deficiencies, it’s essential to remember that our bodies operate as interconnected systems. Sometimes, the peeling skin around nails might be a culmination of multiple deficiencies or even an indication of other systemic health concerns. 

Understanding the intricate ties between our nutritional landscape and the health of our skin is imperative.

This knowledge not only equips us to pinpoint the origins of skin concerns but also empowers us to adopt a more holistic approach to health, blending topical treatments with nutritional corrections. It’s not just about remedying the surface but healing from within.

Skin Around Nails Peeling: Home Remedies and Nature’s Healing Touch

Nature, in its vast expanse, houses remedies for many of our ailments. When the skin, particularly the skin around nails, starts peeling, turning to our very own kitchen or garden can often provide the first line of relief. These remedies are not just effective but are gentle on the skin, devoid of harsh chemicals.

Aloe Vera Gel

Skin Around Nails Peeling : Aloe Vera Gel

This succulent plant is renowned for its soothing and moisturizing properties. Directly applying its gel on affected areas can provide immediate relief, promoting skin healing.

Coconut Oil – Skin Around Nails Peeling

This tropical wonder is rich in essential fatty acids. A dab of virgin coconut oil on the peeling skin can replenish lost moisture, forming a protective barrier.

Honey – Skin Around Nails Peeling

Beyond its sweet allure, honey possesses potent antibacterial properties. Applying a thin layer can prevent infections in the peeled areas while hydrating the skin.

Oatmeal Soak – Skin Around Nails Peeling

Oats, when soaked in water, release a milky liquid loaded with skin-soothing properties. A gentle soak can alleviate itching and peeling, restoring the skin’s natural texture.

Harnessing the power of these natural remedies can be a holistic approach to treating peeling skin around nails, addressing the issue at its root and providing long-lasting relief.

Treating Peeling Skin Around Nails: Guided Steps to Restored Health

Addressing skin around nails peeling effectively requires a harmonious blend of proactive measures and targeted treatments. The goal isn’t just immediate relief but to ensure lasting skin health.

1. Moisturize Regularly:

The importance of a good moisturizing routine cannot be stressed enough. Opt for lotions enriched with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, ensuring deep hydration and skin barrier repair.

2. Limit Water Exposure:

While keeping hands clean is vital, excessive exposure to water can exacerbate peeling. Using lukewarm water, patting hands dry gently, and moisturizing post-wash can counteract this.

3. Protective Gloves:

When engaging in household chores or using chemicals, wear gloves. They shield the skin from potential irritants and excessive moisture.

4. Consult A Dermatologist:

If the peeling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, seeking professional advice is crucial. They can recommend specialized treatments or identify underlying causes.

By combining self-care with expert guidance, you ensure that the skin peeling around nails is not just treated superficially, but healed from the core.

Conclusion: The Intertwined Tale of Skin and Overall Well-being

Our body possesses an incredible knack for revealing its internal stories on the canvas of our skin. As we’ve navigated the nuances of skin around nails peeling, we’ve touched upon myriad elements: from external factors like environment and skincare practices to the more intricate internal players like nutritional balances and deficiencies. Such revelations serve as gentle reminders of the profound interconnectedness of our bodily systems.

Conclusion: The Intertwined Tale of Skin and Overall Well-being

The skin, especially the delicate regions like the one encircling our nails, isn’t just an aesthetic entity. It’s a functional marvel, working diligently to protect us from external harm while concurrently mirroring our internal health. When it raises an alarm through symptoms like peeling, it’s more than a cosmetic concern; it’s a clarion call to attend to our holistic well-being.

Embracing home remedies and preventive strategies is certainly commendable, but the importance of a deeper introspection can’t be side-lined. Unearthing nutritional deficiencies or addressing environmental stressors isn’t merely about restoring skin health; it’s an endeavor to restore the body’s harmonious balance.

As we draw curtains on this exploration, there’s an overarching message to carry forth: Attending to our skin’s narratives isn’t a superficial endeavour. It’s a profound journey into understanding oneself better, recognizing our needs, and fostering an environment where the body and mind thrive in tandem.

In the vast tapestry of health and wellness, the threads of nutrition, environment, mental well-being, and skincare are intricately woven together. The narrative of peeling skin around nails is but a chapter in this expansive book, urging us to read attentively, act judiciously, and always, always prioritize holistic health.

FAQ’s 

How Do I Stop The Skin Around My Nails From Peeling?  

Consistent moisturization is key. Ensure your hands are regularly hydrated with a quality hand cream, avoid excessive water exposure, and protect them with gloves during chores. Minimize use of harsh soaps and opt for gentler alternatives. 

What Vitamin Am I Lacking If My Nails Are Peeling?

Peeling nails can be an indicator of various vitamin deficiencies, most notably Biotin (Vitamin B7). Other potential deficiencies include Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin C.

What Deficiency Causes Skin To Peel On Fingers? 

Common deficiencies causing skin around nails peeling include Iron, Zinc, and essential Vitamins, like B and C.

  1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (1998-2023). Psoriasis. [Online] Available at:

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840#:~:text=Psoriasis%20is%20a%20skin%20disease,chronic)%20disease%20with%20no%20cure.
  2. National Library of Medicine. (n.d). Zinc in diet. [Online] Available at:

    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002416.htm#:~:text=Zinc%20is%20found%20in%20cells,senses%20of%20smell%20and%20taste.
  3. SAGE Publications. (2018). Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. [Online] Available at:

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6204628/

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Anasooya

Anasooya is a beauty and lifestyle writer always on the pulse of the latest trends and innovations in the beauty and hairstyling world. Her writing is aimed at helping women lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

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