Your skin peels for a number of reasons. If you’re unsure what the problem is or your skin seems to be getting worse, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
The outer layer of your skin (the epidermis, for skincare nerds) sheds to expose healthier, new cells. But if your peeling is accompanied by a fever, chills or blisters, seek emergency care.
Sunburn
Skin peeling can occur after a sunburn. This occurs because the body is trying to remove the damaged and burned cells on top of the healthy, intact skin underneath. It can be painful, but it is a good thing. The more damaged the skin is, the more it will peel, and this helps speed up healing.
Sunburns should be treated immediately with cool water and moisturizer. Using a soothing lotion with aloe vera may help, especially if the peeling is severe. Avoid picking at the peeling skin, as it can cause more damage and scabbing. You should also wear gloves when washing dishes and other tasks that can irritate your hands, and moisturize the hands often. Lastly, use a humidifier in the winter to prevent the air from drying out the skin.
If your peeling skin is the result of a mild sunburn, it will likely heal on its own within a week or so. In the meantime, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. “The higher the SPF, the better, as long as it doesn’t have a thick or sticky feel,” says dermatologist Elyse Love. She recommends the PCA SKIN Active Broad Spectrum SPF 45 for both face and body to deal with peeling skin on fingertips.
There is no tried-and-true way to prevent peeling from a sunburn, but it’s important to get out of the sun as soon as you notice burning, and apply a sunscreen with SPF. Even first-degree burns, which only affect the outermost layer of skin, can lead to peeling if you don’t protect it.
Another cause of skin peeling is a condition called Kawasaki disease, which typically affects children under age 5. It is characterized by dry, flaking skin, particularly on the elbows, knees, and other joints, and in the cracks of the hands and feet. In addition to the skin peeling, symptoms include swollen lymph nodes and a high fever that can last several days.
Eczema
Various health conditions can cause the skin to peel. While the condition may be a nuisance, most forms of skin peeling are not serious. However, if you notice recurring or severe skin peeling, then it could be a sign of an underlying problem that should be treated by a doctor.
The condition eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) can cause itchy, dry, flaky skin that often peels and cracks. The condition is caused by your body’s immune system triggering an allergic reaction to certain elements that come into contact with your skin, like plants, dyes, fragrances, smoke, and chemicals. It can also be triggered by stress and other emotional triggers. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the hands, feet, elbows, knees, and scalp.
While eczema can be very uncomfortable, the condition can be treated with topical creams and oral medications to help reduce the symptoms. It is important to moisturise the affected areas regularly, especially after bathing. Avoid using soaps or detergents that may irritate the skin. Wash the affected area with a gentle cleanser and then pat it dry. Avoid rubbing the skin, as this can aggravate the condition. Wear gloves when doing chores that involve getting your hands wet. Apply emollient ointments that contain higher oil content (like petroleum jelly), particularly after washing your hands.
You can also use a cool compress to soothe the affected area. If the skin is itchy, antihistamines or oral steroids can be used to help control your symptoms.
A fungal infection is another condition that can lead to skin peeling. You can treat a fungal infection with an antifungal medicine. The medication is typically a cream or ointment, but some are available as pills. If you’re experiencing other symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, or a rash that spreads quickly, then you should see a physician right away.
Psoriasis
If you suffer from the chronic inflammatory condition known as psoriasis, you may experience skin peeling. The condition is characterized by pink or red rashes covered with white, peeling skin, and the areas most often affected are the knees, elbows and scalp. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the scales that form can itch. The good news is that there are several treatments available to help reduce psoriasis symptoms and prevent skin peeling, including topical ointments, steroids, medicated shampoos, phototherapy and oral medications.
In addition to prescription medications, a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help. Staying hydrated can also prevent dry skin, which can lead to peeling and itching. It is important to moisturize your skin after showering, using a gentle, pH-neutral soap and avoiding hot water. Humidifiers can be helpful for people who live in a dry climate, as they add moisture to the air.
Another way to reduce psoriasis symptoms is to avoid sunlight as much as possible, because it can cause them to flare. If you must be outside, use a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Other things that can trigger psoriasis include stress, cold temperatures and certain foods. It is important to work with a qualified health care professional to find the best treatment for your individual situation.
Thick, silvery scales that itch and can bleed are the hallmarks of psoriasis. There are several different types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis the most common. Other forms of the disease include inverse psoriasis, which causes smooth and shiny patches, and pus-filled blisters called erythrodermic psoriasis, which occur in the folds of the skin like behind the knee or in the groin.
The good news is that many of the causes for skin peeling are treatable, and a visit to your doctor can help you determine what treatment options are best for you. When skin begins to peel, it is a warning sign that it needs attention, so schedule an appointment with your dermatologist right away.
Acne
For some people, peeling skin can be an indication of a serious health condition that requires medical treatment. However, most forms of skin peeling are non-serious and can be effectively treated at home using moisturizers and avoiding certain products that can irritate your skin.
Skin peeling is most often the result of irritation. Many things can cause this, such as sunburn, eczema or psoriasis, but also a fungal infection, allergic reaction to cosmetics or skincare products, or a genetic condition such as Kawasaki disease. It can even occur as a side effect of some medications or a chronic illness such as heart disease, liver problems or kidney disorders.
When you notice your skin starting to flake or peel, it is important to stop using any product that may be causing this. You should also make sure you are drinking enough water to stay hydrated, which will help improve the texture of your skin and prevent it from drying out.
Another great way to minimize dryness is by using a moisturizing cream that doesn’t contain harsh ingredients such as alcohol, retinols or exfoliants, which can irritate your skin and trigger peeling. It is also a good idea to spot-test any new skincare products you want to try on your skin in an inconspicuous area before applying them to the rest of it.
Lastly, it is important to use sunscreen whenever you are outside, regardless of the season or weather conditions. This will help reduce the risk of sunburn, which can trigger other conditions and lead to more severe symptoms such as blisters or skin peeling.
If you are experiencing persistent skin peeling or it is accompanied by other symptoms that are worrying you, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. They can assess your skin and determine the specific cause of the problem and prescribe an effective treatment plan. If you haven’t already, book your appointment online today. It’s fast, easy and convenient!
