Introduction:
The human skin is the shielding layer of the body. It covers the whole of the human body. It acts as a shield for the internal organs. The three skin layers are the epidermis, hypodermis, and dermis. The outermost or superficial skin layer is the epidermis. The immediate or next layer to the epidermis is the dermis. The deepest or innermost skin layer is the hypodermis or subcutis. The function of human skin is to provide protection, temperature regulation, sensation to touch, and pressure. Naturally, the dead skin cells get removed and form new skin. This is called the exfoliation process. This maintains skin health.
Various factors like genetic and environmental factors can affect the natural exfoliation process. Does scaly skin cause an individual to feel itchy and comfortable? This could be normal and even topical ointments that do not help in healing. The condition can be due to medical conditions requiring a doctor's appointment. The article discusses scaling skin, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
What Is Scaling Skin?
The external skin layer is the epidermis. When the epidermis is exfoliated in a scale-like pattern, it leaves the skin dry and cracked. The other names for scaling skin are desquamation, exfoliation, flaking skin, peeling skin, or dropping of scales. Scaling skin can occur on the hands, face, feet, or other areas not covered by the clothes.
What Are the Causes of Scaly Skin?
Naturally, the skin sloughs off 30,000 to 40,000 skin cells daily. These normal cells are replaced with new skin cells. This whole process does not leave the skin flaky or scaly. If an individual's skin after shedding off is scaly or flaky, it can be due to various causes or medical conditions. The reasons behind the occurrence of scaling skin are as follows:
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Dry Skin: When the human skin does not have enough moisture leading to rough and flaky skin. Some factors could be the reason for dry skin, such as cold weather, low humidity, excess bathing, and exposure to central heating.
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Eczema: The skin disease in which an individual has a scaly patch with much itching. It is also called atopic dermatitis. The condition can affect the following regions:
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Elbows.
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Cheeks.
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Necks.
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Arms.
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Legs.
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This can be due to dry skin, allergic reactions, genetic factors, or stress. Environmental factors include when an individual's skin gets in contact with soap, wool, perfume, chlorine, makeup, and cigarette smoke. the skin barrier in individuals with eczema is weakened leading to increased water loss. The skin will get dry and inflamed leading to scaling.
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Psoriasis: The autoimmune disorder in which there is a rapid build up of the skin leading to formation of thick silvery scales on the skin surface. The immune system attack healthy cells leading to multiplication and move the skin surface much faster than normal. This will lead to formation of raised red patches covered with silvery white scales. The location for the condition in the knees, palms, scalp, elbows, and soles of the feet. The factors which can increase the threat of the development of the psoriasis are obesity, stress, infections, and smoking.
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Fungal Infections: Infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm can cause scaly skin. The affected skin can be itchy and scaly. The rash can cause the skin scaly around the affected area. The symptoms such as redness, itching, and discomfort.
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Allergic Reactions: When an individual is exposed to chemicals or metals can cause the development of the condition. The immune system overreacts to an allergen which can trigger immune response. This can cause the skin to be inflamed, red, and itchy.
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Actinic Keratosis: When an individual skin is exposed to sunlight without the use of protection can cause the skin to be scaly. This may turn into squamous cell cancer. The symptoms include thick, painful, scaly, and discolored patches on the skin.
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Lichen Planus: The location for the condition is the genitals, lower back, nails, and inside mouth. There may be the formation of red, purple, or shiny bumps. These bumps can form patches on the skin which can further develop into a fine, white lacy pattern called Wickham striae. The affected skin become thickened and in some cases, scaling may be present.
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Ichthyosis: The genetic skin disorder which can cause the skin dry and scaly. The dead skin cells lead to dry and scaly patches. Medical diseases include cancer, kidney failure, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
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Pityriasis Rosea: The skin condition occurs in girls aged between 10 to 30 years. The location is arms, legs, and middle body. The symptoms show red spots with little scaly skin. The little scaly skin may become more prominent in the later stages.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Scaling Skin?
The signs and symptoms of scaling skin depend on the reason behind the occurrence of scaly skin. The major signs and symptoms of scaling skin are as follows:
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Flaking: The epidermis may appear rough and dry. Normally, it starts flaking off. Sometimes it gets more noticeable, leaving the skin scaly on the face, scalp, and arms.
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Dryness: The affected skin can be dry and rough due to moisture deficiency.
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Cracks: There can be cracks in the skin which can be painful. This can cause the risk of secondary infections.
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Redness: There can be inflammation and redness. This can be due to excessive scratching.
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Itching: Some individuals scratch the affected area, which can further irritate the skin.
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Irritation: The affected skin is more prone to irritation due to exposure to allergens.
How Is Scaling Skin Diagnosed?
The dermatologist may diagnose scaling skin through medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The overview of the diagnostic tests for scaling skin is as follows:
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Medical History: The dermatologist may ask the patient about the symptoms, its onset, duration, and progression. They also ask the patient whether they took any previous treatment or medications.
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Physical Examination: The doctor may physically examine the affected skin. They will check the location, color, appearance, and texture of the skin. This will help dermatologist in narrow down the potential causes.
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Skin Biopsy: The doctor will take a skin sample from the affected area and send it to the laboratory for further investigation. This will help in identifying the reason for the condition and to rule out other conditions with same symptoms.
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Allergy Test: The doctor may advise the patient to allergy testing to identify the condition's cause. The test is prescribed only if the suspected cause of the scaling skin is an allergic reaction.
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Blood Test: This will help identify viral infections and other causes for the condition.
How Is Scaling Skin Treated?
The treatment measures for scaling skin are as follows:
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Moisturizers: The doctor may advise the patient to apply the moisturizer regularly. This will restore the skin moisture and hydrate the skin.
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Topical Corticosteroids: The doctor will prescribe topical medications in case of medical skin diseases. This will reduce the itching, inflammation, and scaling.
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Antifungal Medications: Antifungal medications include lotion, creams, and medications to reduce infection.
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Emollients: This will remove the scales and treat conditions such as psoriasis.
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Phototherapy: This benefits treating conditions such as psoriasis and reduces the amount of ultraviolet light.
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Lifestyle Changes: These changes such as taking lukewarm showers, wearing protective clothing, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding soaps and detergents which will harm the skin.
Conclusion:
Normal and healthy skin sheds dead cells, and new skin is formed over that. When the dead skin does not remove, new skin cells form over that. This will make the skin thicken. Medical conditions and environmental factors can cause the conditions. The dermatologist will advise the patient to apply moisturizer to avoid cracking. Lifestyle changes such as wearing protective clothing and moisturizers can protect the skin from harmful UV (ultraviolet) radiation.
