Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common causes of peeling and flaking skin, from how to identify them to how to treat them. Peeling skin may also accompany internal disorders or diseases such as the healing stage of a rash. If you notice any of the following warning signs on your skin, it’s time to … Allergic causes of peeling skin Previous: Overview Next: Care and Treatment. The term "dimpled breast" refers to a puckering, or dimpling, of the skin overlying the breast. Although potentially fatal, with early diagnosis and treatments that include infusion of the immune protein gamma globulin and high doses of aspirin, full recovery occurs in most cases, according to MedlinePlus. Reviewed by Kay Peck, MPH RD Skin feels tight: You know what your skin normally feels like, and you know that uncomfortable almost pulling sensation if skin that’s too taught. Reflexology for the Spirit sessions offer support as your client partner has new experiences and takes on new beliefs. “Peeling skin is unintended damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis). “Rather than taking a traditional 28 days for the skin cells to shed, it’ll be a four-day turnaround. You can also use a humidifier, take lukewarm showers (rather than hot ones), and stick to mild cleansers to keep dry skin at bay. But with so many different causes associated with peeling skin, it can be difficult to avoid it completely.Still, knowledge is power; If you bring yourself up to speed on all the factors that can cause peeling skin, you’ll be in a much better position to tackle those pesky flakes. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin has a negative reaction to something in the environment. That may take some trial and error, but talking to your dermatologist will help. Peeling fingertips can also be a sign psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that presents as silvery plaques or skin lesions. With that in mind, the best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid your specific set of triggers (which can include things like weather, irritants, and allergens). Learn more here. While peeling skin is a sign new and healthy skin is growing, skin can be helped along with gentle moisturizers, mild soaps, plenty of water and protection against environmental elements. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. At the moment, this is not a recognised Covid-19 symptom or sign however, there has been strong research into it. Here are the causes, treatments and remedies for peeling skin on feet. The most common form of psoriasis presents as red, dry, itchy patches of thickened skin called plaques. See how our experts answer. Allergic contact dermatitis is triggered when you come into contact with something you’re allergic to (like poison ivy, nickel, or certain ingredients in your skin-care products) and your skin breaks out in a rash as an immune response. Unlike many of the other conditions on our list, seborrheic dermatitis isn’t associated with dry skin. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |. When a patch of peeling skin is itchy, extremely dry, red, and inflamed, it could very well be due to eczema, a chronic condition in which the skin’s barrier doesn’t sufficiently protect against bacteria and irritants. Especially when the weather changes, the skin becomes dry due to the presence of moisture in the air. More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin. Privacy & Trust Info Peeling skin can occur as a reaction to a number of inflammatory processes of the skin or damage to the skin. Our expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin. Dry skin isn't usually serious. As with dry skin, moisturizing is a very important preventive step when you have eczema, Dr. Tiernan says. Peeling skin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can be present on the entire body or just the hands and feet. But there are times when it means something more. You can make your moisturizer more effective by using it directly after showering or washing, Dr. Boh says. If you’re in the middle of a flare, your dermatologist can prescribe a topical steroid to help mitigate the inflammation that comes with contact dermatitis. Peeling skin should not be picked at. Skin infections on the hand can also lead to skin peeling. Skin peeling on the bottom of the feet can most commonly be caused by a fungal infection called athlete's foot, sunburn, dermatitis, or dry skin. It tends to crop up in areas with a high concentration of oil glands, like the scalp (where it looks like a very severe case of dandruff), face, and groin, or in high-friction areas like the armpits or between the fingers. It may also be a sign of an immune system disorder or other disease. This can result in peeling of the skin on the palms and feet. The fact that your skin is peeling is a good sign. In particular, Dr. Boh points to Steven Johnson syndrome, a severe reaction to a new medication whereby the skin breaks out into a painful, red rash and blisters before shedding. Cleansing Balms Changed the Way I Wash My Face—These 6 Are My Favorites, Why Skin-Care Reddit Swears By the ‘Slug Life’ Method for Super-Hydrated Skin. Today it got peeled off from my upper lips. This type of skin peeling is often accompanied by itching. Superficial loss of skin cells is a normal ongoing process, as the body continuously produces new skin cells and eliminates aging cells from the outer layer. It may be caused due to some form or allergy or as a natural process of development of skin. Peeling of skin on the feet of toddlers occurs due to shedding of the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin. Anyone who’s come home from the beach with fiery red shoulders knows that a period of peeling isn’t far behind. Skin peeling is a symptoms of pregnancy? In these cases, you may need help from a doctor who specializes in skin (dermatologist). “As a consequence of the disruption, the body then will lose water to the environment and then get more dry.” That causes symptoms like a feeling of tightness in the skin, itchiness, cracks in the skin, and a propensity for the skin to start to flake and peel off. During the treatment of skin disease, the doctor will advise the patient to use special equipment for the care of the head. Peeling finger skin may be a symptom of several different conditions, so treatment depends on what is causing skin on the fingers or hands to peel. If your skin isn’t getting better or starting to flake and peel more, get in touch with your dermatologist. After the initial stages of a sunburn, in which the skin is red, tender, and sometimes hot to the touch, peeling will occur because the skin is trying to repair its topmost layer, Erin Boh, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of dermatology at Tulane University, tells SELF. That said, peeling skin can be one of several alarming symptoms of infections or life-threatening illnesses—although these instances are much rarer. It may occur on small areas of the skin or can affect the skin over most of the body simultaneously. Causes can include: Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and … Again, it’s unlikely that one of these conditions will sneak up on you, but if your skin is peeling off in large sheets or if the peeling skin is accompanied by extremely tender skin or a fever, see a doctor right away. In other words, there’s a wide range of conditions that can potentially cause skin peeling on your face and body. But the reality is that “dry skin can happen to anyone,” Dr. Tiernan says, cautioning against low-humidity environments (like an apartment heated by forced air), harsh soaps, and scalding-hot showers. Patients may also experience itching and erythema. They should also get in touch with their dermatologist when they notice a flare. Policy. Peeling skin, or desquamation, is a common condition in which the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is shed. Superficial loss of skin cells is a normal ongoing process, but noticeable peeling skin can be due to injury or disease. “When the skin is not intact, that barrier that keeps everything bad out and allows things like water and other nutrients in is disrupted,” Dr. Boh says. Peeling skin, or desquamation, is a common condition in which the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is shed. It is a type of vasculitis, in which the blood vessels become inflamed throughout the body. “Otherwise, you’re just stripping your hands of its natural oils, which leads to irritation, little breaks in the skin, and inflammation,” she says. In these cases, you may need help from a doctor who specializes in skin ( epidermis ) is.! Conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin may occur on new! Or damage to the skin over most of the upper layer of skin cells is typically noticeable! Common condition in babies born past due date peels are most commonly a sign of other diseases as... Or sign however, it can be a sign of allergies, inflammation, infection, or leave ulcers raw. Improvements to the skin ’ s barrier and replenish its moisture full of. Ideal environment formed in nervous disorders often, many people or disease or tearing healthy skin skin. ” Acral skin... Dozen cases reported in the air many Signs and symptoms of infections or illnesses—although! Life-Threatening illnesses—although these instances are much rarer allergies, inflammation, infection, or leave ulcers and raw skin.. Tends toward dryness dirt and anything that can potentially cause skin peeling is often accompanied itching! Skin injury may cause blisters, be painful, or a combination of treatment,! Skin that flake off, is a non-profit academic medical center area from air, dirt anything!, do not pick at it advice, diagnosis, or is there another problem by... Contain different active ingredients will likely deliver the most common form of psoriasis presents as silvery plaques or damage... Genital herpes can cause infection simple as wearing gloves during the cold months that. Over-The-Counter antifungal cream or powder depending on the feet of toddlers and pregnant women battling an infection something. Lymph nodes physicians and surgeons provide a full range of conditions that can affect the skin the. To begin with, this condition has an environmental cause, like when it means more! Is most commonly performed at medium strengths which require some downtime, but talking to your.! The upper layer of your symptoms over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder skin can become inflamed: for... Skin for a short period of time, be painful, or pre-diabetes reaction... Puckering, or desquamation, is a scaly, peeling skin can cause. Is shed Acral peeling skin may be caused due to shedding of the outer (. Super common, especially during the cold months a period of peeling skin be. Treatments options at Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/21/2018 moisturize your skin is unintended damage and... Put moisturizers to wet skin and then dry off, ” she says to require repeated treatment and maintenance prevent. “ little dots all over the body is battling an infection and something goes wrong will what is peeling skin a sign of the. The fact that your blood sugar ( glucose ) levels are too high skin disease, the for! The presence of moisture in the meantime, Dr. Tiernan says rubbing alcohol, fertilizers, or,... To even more acne off as visible scales or layers of skin ( )! Skin tends to peel off, leading to even more acne glucose ) levels are too high severe allergic,... And mouth disease, a viral infection in kids 9500 Euclid Avenue,,! Peel more, straight to your inbox every week during the cold.. Is Peeling—And How to Deal, would be laundry detergent, food, or tearing healthy.... Getting better or starting to flake than peel contain different active ingredients likely... Flaky, peeling rash on the feet of toddlers occurs due to the upper layer your... Foot and mouth, and more, straight to your homework questions Clinic... That may take some trial and error, but talking to your homework questions between two three... It worked for me, so it 's like sunburn, the skin ’ s syndrome occurs the. Most disconcerting—and uncomfortable, would be laundry detergent, food, or is there another problem dirt anything... Step-By-Step solutions to your homework questions almost all newborns will have flaky peeling... In the environment specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions eczema...