What are the symptoms of flaking skin
The most obvious one is that scales have appeared on the skin and it is peeling. In addition to this, sometimes there are:
itching,
redness,
dryness,
rash.
Why skin flakes on the face
In fact, the skin flakes all the time – this is how it renews itself. In medicine, this process is called desquamation. In the deep layers of the skin are formed new cells, which gradually (about a month) move up. And the body gets rid of dead skin cells – they fall off microscopic scales. By the way, the dust at home consists of them.
Normally, peeling can be seen only under a microscope. But if it becomes visible in the mirror, it is worth looking for the reasons for such a change.
Dry skin type
People with a dry skin type do not retain moisture well and produce too little sebum (sebum). Because of this, it is often flaky, itchy and irritated. Sometimes it even cracks to the point of bleeding. It can be rough and rough to the touch.
Sometimes dry skin is temporary. For example, many people have dry skin in the winter. The air becomes drier, the situation is aggravated by low temperatures and strong winds outside, and radiators and heaters at home.
Sunburn
The sun always traumatises the skin. Even the tan that many people enjoy so much is the skin’s defence reaction to the damage. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, your skin will start to peel: this is the body’s way of getting rid of damaged cells. A light burn usually appears after a few days as the skin begins to heal. New healthy tissue hides under the exfoliated layer. In severe burns, in addition to peeling, swelling and blisters occur.
Skin diseases
Atopic dermatitis
This is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease. It appears at any age, often in childhood. In people with it, the skin becomes inflamed, red and itchy. There are dry patches that flake off. Also – blisters and ulcers covered with crusts. Atopic dermatitis cannot be completely cured. But it can be controlled with the help of a dermatologist and competent care.
Rosacea
Another chronic disease. People with it have reddened skin on the face, and visible blood vessels appear near the nose, forehead cheeks and chin. Sometimes there are papules and pustules – pimples with or without pus. Dry skin and flaking are also among the symptoms of rosacea. Where this disease comes from, it is not yet known exactly. Among the causes are genetics, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and the tiny skin mite Demodex. Symptoms can be relieved by avoiding rosacea triggers. Vasoconstrictor gels and treatments (like laser) can also help. But these should be prescribed by a dermatologist.
Psoriasis
In this disease, plaques appear on the skin, which flake and itch. All because the skin cells are renewed too quickly. Normally, the process takes 3-4 weeks, but with psoriasis – a week or even less. On the face, plaques first appear at the hairline, and then reach the chin. If they are brushed, they may break open. The result is an open wound – a risk of infection.
Psoriasis is thought to be triggered by stress, infections, injuries and some medicines. It cannot be completely cured. But many people are helped by gentle skin care and corticosteroid creams.
Genetic diseases
There is a very rare disease, which is so called – flaky skin syndrome. It is hereditary – it is caused by gene mutations. People with this syndrome have flaky skin all the time and (usually) without pain. Symptoms may appear at birth. Some have flaky skin all over the body, but there are also cases where the syndrome affects only the face.
Diseases of the thyroid gland
The condition of the skin is affected by hypothyroidism. This is a disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Thyroid hormone is important for the normal functioning of the skin. When there is not enough of it, the skin becomes dry, rough and scaly. In hypothyroidism, the skin is particularly affected where the joints are located.
