Skincare Case 119

Age: 33 years old
Gender: Female
Fitzpatrick: 4
Skin type: Combination
Main concern: Peeling skin around hands’ nails

History: She is a healthcare worker and has to wash her hands several times due to her job’s requirements. Whenever there is a minor surgery, she has to wash her hands with soap and brush around her nails with a brush.

Homecare routine: She uses a hand moisturizer every night before bed, and she also uses anti-aging night cream and toner right before night cream.

Findings: She has overly dry hands skin, which causes the skin around her nails to peel. Some of the peelings are deep, so that is painful, and it looks like the skin has detached from its base.

Skincare Case 119
Case Discussion (Please click here)

The case involves a 33-year-old female healthcare worker with Fitzpatrick skin type IV and a combination skin type. Her main concern is peeling skin around her nails. This issue is likely exacerbated due to her frequent handwashing due to her job’s requirements. Despite using a hand moisturizer nightly, her hands remain overly dry, leading to painful deep peeling around her nails.

Causes

The most likely cause is excessive handwashing, which is a necessity in her profession but unfortunately strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and peeling. Frequent use of soaps, especially if they are harsh, can exacerbate this issue.

What was Done Wrong

  1. Excessive handwashing: While necessary for her job, it strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and peeling.
  2. Possibly using harsh soaps: These may further exacerbate skin dryness.
  3. Insufficient moisturization: While she does use a hand moisturizer nightly, it may not be enough to combat the excessive dryness caused by her frequent handwashing.

Office and Home Treatment Options

Office treatments:

  1. Consultation with a dermatologist: A dermatologist can recommend targeted treatments or prescription moisturizers to alleviate her symptoms.

Home treatments:

  1. Increased moisturization: She may need to apply moisturizer more frequently, especially immediately after washing her hands.
  2. Use of mild, moisturizing soaps: Switching to a soap that is less harsh and contains moisturizing ingredients can help.
  3. Hand masks: Similar to face masks, these products can provide intense moisturization to dry hands.

Preventions

  1. Use gloves: When possible, use gloves to protect the hands from excessive exposure to water and soap.
  2. Moisturize frequently: Applying a good hand cream or ointment immediately after washing can help retain moisture.

Home Care Daily Routine

Morning:

  1. After washing hands, apply a generous amount of hand cream.
  2. Use gloves whenever possible during the day to minimize direct exposure to water and soap.

Throughout the day:

  1. After every hand wash, apply a generous amount of hand cream.
  2. Consider carrying a travel-sized hand cream for on-the-go applications.

Evening:

  1. After washing hands, apply a generous amount of hand cream.
  2. Apply a heavier ointment or hand mask for intensive overnight treatment.

She should consult a dermatologist if her condition does not improve or worsens. Regular check-ups may also be beneficial to monitor her skin condition and make necessary adjustments to her skincare routine and treatment plan.