Peeling Skin: Understanding the Causes, Preventing It and Avoiding Complications

The thinnest layer of the skin, the epidermis, acts as the primary defence against bacteria and germs. Its thin appearance aside, it is essential for the protection of the body. Every day, it generates new skin cells to replace those that are naturally shed.

If peeling begins, it can take on the following characteristics:

• Flaky or scaly (usually caused by dryness)
• Red, irritated or inflamed
• Itchy (pruritis)

Often, people confuse chemical peeling with peeling skin. Peeling skin is different from chemical peeling as chemical peeling enhances the skin on the face, hands and neck by using a chemical solution to remove the outer layer.

Causes of peeling skin

There are various reasons why these may cause skin peeling, from irritation to more serious health problems. The reasons behind skin peeling are diverse and may include:

Skin damage:

• Burns
• Friction or irritation from rubbing
• Sunburn
• Genetic or inflammatory conditions:
• Kawasaki disease
• Peeling skin syndrome

Infections:

• Group A streptococcal infection (like scarlet fever)
• Staph infections (such as impetigo)
• Toxic shock syndrome

Skin conditions:

• Allergic reactions (like contact dermatitis, rashes or Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Athlete’s foot or jock itch
• Dry skin
• Edema (swelling from fluid build-up)
• Pemphigus
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis or erythrodermic psoriasis

Treatments and medications:

• Acne treatments
• Anti-ageing products like retinol creams or chemical peels
• Cancer treatments (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
• Certain medications, vitamins or herbal supplements

Diagnosis of peeling skin

The best way to address peeling skin is by consulting a dermatologist who can identify the underlying cause. Peeling can happen for various reasons, including infections, skin conditions or reactions to medications. By seeing a specialist, you will receive a comprehensive evaluation and the most effective peeling solution tailored to your skin’s needs.

When you visit your healthcare provider, they will carefully review your symptoms and focus on the details. Inform your healthcare provider regarding any ongoing health issues you may have. Knowing the names and dosages of medications, vitamins or supplements can help you avoid irritation and skin peeling.

If you have consulted your healthcare provider, they may suggest tests to help identify the cause of your peeling skin or rule out other potential issues. These tests give your provider a clearer understanding of your skin condition, enabling them to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Here are some common tests they may propose:

• Allergy test: It can help determine if your allergies are behind your peeling skin. Your medical provider will apply small amounts of potential allergens to your skin to see if you have reactions. If an allergy is found, they will guide you in avoiding triggers and managing reactions with the right treatments.
• Blood test: A blood test can reveal underlying causes of peeling skin, such as infections, immune disorders or nutrient deficiencies. Conditions like lupus or psoriasis can also cause skin changes. The test can check for signs of infection and inflammation or vitamin deficiencies. This aids your provider in identifying the cause and suggesting the right treatment or specialist referral.
• Skin biopsy: If the cause of your peeling skin is not clear, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy. This involves removing a small skin sample to be examined under a microscope. It helps diagnose skin cancer and dermatitis. While the procedure sounds frightening, it is typically quick, performed under local anaesthesia and provides crucial information for treatment.

The results of these tests can determine the cause of peeling skin and find the right peeling Solution. These help ensure that you get the proper treatment to manage the condition and improve skin health. The earlier you seek medical attention, the quicker you can get help for the problem, preventing further damage and discomfort.

Skin peeling treatment

Skin peeling treatment depends on what is causing it. Following are the medications that help out during skin peeling.

• Allergy medications: If allergies are to blame, your provider may recommend allergy medications to help manage reactions.  
• Antibiotics or antifungals: It is prescribed for skin infections that might be necessary to treat bacterial or fungal causes.  
• Corticosteroids: In cases of inflammation or immune system issues, corticosteroids can help reduce swelling and irritation.  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): If pain or inflammation is present, your healthcare provider may prescribe NSAIDs to alleviate discomfort.  

Your healthcare provider will choose the most appropriate treatment based on the specific cause of your peeling skin to help restore your skin’s health and prevent further issues.

Home remedies for peeling skin

It is important to let your peeling skin slough off naturally as part of your skin's healing process. Picking the peeling skin or pulling it can create openings that allow bacteria to enter your skin, increasing your risk of infection.

For skin peeling on the face, try to avoid touching it as much as possible. Although you may be tempted to cover the peeling with makeup, layering it on is unlikely to make the peeling less noticeable. In fact, makeup can dry out your skin, potentially making the skin peeling on the face worse. If your skin is peeling, steer clear of cleansers that contain alpha hydroxyl acids, alcohol or fragrance. Instead, use lukewarm water with a soft washcloth or shower mitt to gently rub your face and help loosen any flaking skin. Never peel your skin, especially when it is wet, as this can cause further damage.

For support of skin as it heals, consider these helpful tips:

• Moisturise: Apply a product that is fragrance-less or hypoallergenic moisturising cream or ointment that is thicker than regular lotions and helps lock in moisture. Aloe Vera can also be soothing, particularly when the peeling is due to sunburn.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water during the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. This can help it heal faster and stay healthy.
• Quit smoking: When you smoke cigarettes, your skin can crack and shrivel up, which can slow the healing process. If you need support with quitting your smoking habit for good skin and overall health, see a healthcare provider.
• Shower, do not bathe: Take warm showers instead of hot baths, as hot water can dry out your skin, making peeling worse.
• Protect from the sun: Make sure to protect your skin from sun exposure. Always take steps to protect your skin from further sun exposure. To prevent additional damage, use sunscreen or protective clothing or avoid direct sun exposure. Wear protective clothing.
• Use a humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to the air, helping prevent your skin from becoming too dry, which could cause it to peel.

Conclusion

Peeling skin can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, and with so many possible causes, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms and run tests, if necessary, to identify the root cause. This way, you can get the right treatment to help stop the peeling. It is important not to pick at peeling skin, as it can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Your provider can recommend gentle skincare products to soothe and prevent further peeling.