**Allergic contact dermatitis** occurs when the immune system reacts to a particular substance.
Potential triggers include fragrances, preservatives, rubber chemicals, metals, adhesives, cosmetics, and certain occupational products.
If you notice that your hands become worse after using a particular product, consider whether there’s a connection.
## Eczema Can Cause Peeling Too
Eczema can cause dry, inflamed, itchy skin.
On the hands, it can produce redness, scaling, cracking, thickening, and sometimes small fluid-filled blisters.
Hand eczema may be associated with irritants, allergies, genetics, or combinations of these factors.
If your hands repeatedly flare despite basic moisturization and avoiding obvious irritants, a healthcare professional or dermatologist can help determine whether eczema is involved.
Treatment may include moisturizers, topical medications, protective measures, and identifying triggers.
## Peeling Doesn’t Always Mean Infection
People sometimes see peeling skin and immediately assume they have a fungal or bacterial infection.
That’s not necessarily the case.
Many noninfectious conditions can cause peeling.
However, infections can sometimes produce changes in the hands, particularly when there is significant redness, swelling, warmth, pain, drainage, or other symptoms.
