Peeling Skin: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Conditions That Cause Peeling Skin

Many different diseases, disorders, and conditions can lead to peeling skin. Peeling skin can be a sign of allergies, inflammation, infection, or skin damage. More serious causes include severe allergic reactions, drug reactions, and infections.

Allergic Causes of Peeling Skin

Drug, animal, food, and other environmental allergens can lead to peeling skin including:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
• Contact dermatitis (contact with allergens, such as perfumes, poison ivy, and soaps).
• Drug reactions.

Autoimmune Or Inflammatory Causes of Peeling Skin

Autoimmune and inflammatory causes of peeling skin include:

• Kawasaki disease (inflammatory disease primarily affecting young children and infants)
• Psoriasis

Infectious Causes of Peeling Skin

Peeling skin may arise from infectious diseases, such as:

• Scarlet fever
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
• Tinea infections (Athlete's foot, jock itch, ringworm)
• Toxic-shock syndrome (late)

Serious or Life-threatening Causes of Peeling Skin

In some cases, peeling skin may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. These include:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (a type of blood cancer that affects the skin)
• Skin cancer
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (erythema multiforme major, a skin disorder caused by serious infection or an allergic reaction)
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (severe reaction likely caused by a drug reaction)
• Toxic shock syndrome

Common Causes of Peeling Skin

Various other causes of peeling skin include:

• Certain acne treatments, such as those containing retinol or benzoyl peroxide
• Chemical peels or use of facial creams containing retinol to reduce aging
• Harsh soaps and detergents can cause drying of the skin
• Peeling skin syndrome (a rare genetic disorder)
• Side effects of some drugs and vitamins
• Skin irritation or damage
• Some types of cancer treatments
• Sunburn
• Vitamin deficiencies or toxicities

What are the Symptoms of Peeling Skin?

Symptoms of peeling skin include:

• Redness or irritation on the affected area.
• Dry, flaky, or cracked skin.
• Itching or discomfort.
• Sensitivity or tenderness in the peeling area.
• Blistering or scaling in severe cases.

Peeling skin may occur with additional symptoms depending on the underlying cause, such as rashes, swelling, or discoloration.

When to see a Doctor for peeling skin?

Peeling skin caused by dry skin or mild sunburn is likely to improve with over-the-counter lotions and usually doesn't require medical care.

If these signs are exists you need to see a doctor for peeling skin:

• Peeling is severe or widespread across large areas of the body.
• Associated with pain, swelling, or redness that worsens over time.
• Skin peeling after taking medication, which may suggest a serious reaction.
• Blisters, sores, or open wounds develop along with peeling.
• Fever or other systemic symptoms like fatigue or swollen lymph nodes appear.
• No improvement with home care after several days.
• Peeling recurs frequently or becomes chronic.
• Involves sensitive areas like the face, eyes, or genitals.
• Suspected infection (oozing, pus, or foul odor).
• History of skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis needing professional care.

How is Peeling Skin Diagnosed?

Here is a list of the causes of peeling skin:

• Examining the skin for its appearance, texture and pattern of peeling.
• Medical history to look for recent illness, or allergy or exposure to irritants.
• Skin biopsy to look at a small piece of skin under a microscope.
• Tested for allergies and patch tests are performed to identify the allergens that may lead to this peeling.
• Blood tests to look for infections, autoimmune conditions or vitamin deficiencies.
• Fungal or bacterial cultures to diagnose infections such as ringworm or impetigo.
• Imaging studies such as dermatological imaging if indicated to evaluate the the deeper skin layers.
• Assessment for underlying conditions including eczema, psoriasis, or drug reactions.

Treatment and Management of Peeling Skin

• Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Antibiotic creams if skin peeling is caused by bacterial infection.
• Antifungal creams for fungal infections like athlete's foot or ringworm.
• Oral antihistamines to relieve itching due to allergic reactions.
• Prescription retinoids for skin conditions like psoriasis or dermatitis.
• Immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune-related skin peeling (e.g., in severe eczema).
• Phototherapy in chronic skin conditions like psoriasis under medical guidance.
• Treatment of underlying conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or infections.
• Wound care management if peeling is due to burns or skin injuries.
• Hospitalization and IV fluids in severe cases like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Home Remedies for Peeling Skin

Here are a few home remedies for peeling skin that may help soothe and promote healing:

• Use aloe Vera gel to soothe and hydrate inflamed skin.
• Apply coconut oil to condition and lustre up flakes.
• Most importantly, apply cool compresses to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Gently soak dry, peeling skin in oatmeal baths.
• Use honey as a humectant to retain moisture.
• Apply cucumber slices or juice to soothe and moisturize the skin.
• Use milk or yogurt to both exfoliate and nourish.
• Use shea butter or cocoa butter to moisturize and repair skin.
• If not irritated, gently exfoliate with a soft washcloth to slough off the dead skin.
• Hydrate from within with the help of water.

Prevention for Peeling Skin

Here are some tips to help prevent peeling skin:

• Use fragrance-free lotions or creams on a daily basis.
• Skip hot showers and stick with lukewarm water.
• Protecting from sunburn, wearing sunscreen.
• Use mild, nonirritating soaps and cleansers.
• Drink plenty of water a day will keep you hydrated.
• If the weather is severe, put on protective clothing
• Do not scratch or pick the skin.
• For skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, treat them quickly so they don't flare up.
• Steer clear of allergens and irritants that can cause skin reactions.
• Eat a well-balanced diet high in vitamins and essential fatty acids to maintain skin health.