[35F] Experiencing hand sweating, pain, and skin peeling

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, some possible conditions include:

• Hyperhidrosis: This is a condition characterized by excessive sweating, even when the temperature isn't hot and you're not exercising. In some people, it's linked to medical conditions like diabetes or menopause, but many people just have it without any clear reason. It can occur in specific areas, like your palms, which seems to align with your symptoms.

  • Treatment options include prescription antiperspirants, nerve-blocking medications, and, in severe cases, surgery.

• Dyshidrotic eczema: This is a skin condition that causes small, fluid-filled blisters to form on the palms of your hands and the sides of your fingers. The blisters are often itchy and can cause the skin to flake or peel. This could explain the itching, blisters, and skin peeling you're experiencing.

  • Treatment typically involves creams or ointments that you apply to your skin.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and other symptoms in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. This could explain the pain and cramping you're experiencing in your hands.

  • Treatment usually starts with conservative strategies, such as rest, splinting, and over-the-counter pain relievers, and may progress to surgery in severe cases.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take while you arrange to see a healthcare provider:

1. Try to keep your hands as dry as possible. Use absorbent hand towels and consider using an over-the-counter antiperspirant on your palms.
2. Avoid triggers that make your symptoms worse. These could include heat or stress.
3. Apply a moisturizer to your hands to help with the dry, peeling skin. Look for a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment.
4. If your hands are painful, try over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Remember to follow the instructions on the label and avoid any medications you're allergic to.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Your symptoms become significantly worse or spread to other areas of your body.
• You develop a fever, which could indicate an infection.
• You notice red streaks spreading from the affected area, which could also indicate an infection.
• The pain in your hands becomes severe or unbearable.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.