Does peeling hands and feet indicate a lack of vitamins?

Not really

Peeling of the skin on your hands and feet does not necessarily indicate a vitamin deficiency. Although deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin A can affect skin health and cause dryness and peeling, there are many reasons for peeling skin, and this condition is often accompanied by other systemic symptoms rather than just localized peeling.

For example, common causes of peeling hands and feet include:

Environmental factors: Too dry climate and frequent contact with water may cause the skin to lose moisture, resulting in peeling;

Physical stimulation: Frequent use of alkaline soaps and soaps can easily increase the burden on the skin and cause peeling;

Allergic reaction: contact with certain irritants or allergic substances, such as skin care products and detergents, may cause contact dermatitis of the skin, resulting in redness, peeling, etc.;

Infection: Fungal infection caused by tinea manuum or tinea pedis (commonly known as athlete's foot) can also cause peeling;

Other skin diseases: such as eczema, exfoliative keratolysis, psoriasis, juvenile plantar dermatosis, etc., can be accompanied by a peeling appearance.

Therefore, we cannot simply conclude that the symptom of skin peeling is caused by vitamin deficiency based on it alone.

The correct approach is to observe the specific situation of peeling and combine it with other symptoms. If the peeling of the skin on the hands and feet persists or is accompanied by itching, pain, redness and swelling, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time to rule out potential skin diseases or infections. In addition, keeping the skin clean, using mild moisturizers, and avoiding contact with irritants are possible effective prevention and relief measures.

Author: Tang Jiaoqing, MD, attending physician of dermatology

Review | Feng Jun, deputy chief physician of the Dermatology Department of Sinopharm Tongmei General Hospital