Itchy and flaky skin

The epidermis or the upper layer of human skin consists of cells – epithelium. It is multilayered, the process of keratinization constantly occurs in it, the final stage of which is the formation of keratins – a protective and renewing stratum corneum. By peeling, skin scales separate, and new ones take their place. This is a normal physiological process as long as it does not cause itching. Itching and peeling of the skin often indicate the presence of dermatoses.

Causes itchy and flaky skin

All the reasons for which itching and peeling of the skin occurs can be divided into several groups. These can be diseases of the skin itself, the most common of which are:

• eczema; [ 1 ]
• psoriasis; [ 2 ]
• scabies; [ 3 ]
• ringworm; [ 4 ]
• seborrhea. [ 5 ]

The second, no less rare, is pathologies of other organs and systems that have skin manifestations:

• allergy; [ 6 ]
• liver and gallbladder dysfunction;
• parasite infestation;
• dysfunction of the sebaceous glands due to improper metabolism;
• neurological disorders.

Third group:

• mechanical damage;
• sunburn;
• reaction to detergents.

Risk factors

Factors that aggravate the skin condition include age-related dryness of the epidermis, cold seasons, low humidity, and active sun. Improper care can also cause considerable harm.

Pathogenesis

The process of regeneration of the epidermis is provided by its basal, the lowest layer. Above it are the spinous, granular, shiny and the most superficial horny layer.

Skin cells called keratinocytes produce a protein called keratin, which over time accumulates as scales without nerve endings or blood vessels on the surface of the skin and peels off.

Skin renewal occurs constantly, its cycle is 21-28 days in young age, much less often in old age. Violation of this complex mechanism leads to various problems and dermatological diseases.

Epidemiology

Currently, more than 1.5 thousand skin diseases are known. Adding to them internal pathologies with the same manifestations, peeling and itching from the influence of external factors, we get frightening statistics that are difficult to fully record and express in specific figures.

Symptoms

The first signs in the form of peeling, redness and itching cannot be missed, as there is an irresistible need to scratch, rub the place of its localization. An itchy and flaky rash may also appear. In what places do such symptoms most often appear?

• Itching and flaking of the scalp - occurs against the background of seborrheic dermatitis due to poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, bad habits, psoriasis, eczema or ringworm.

Severe stress and climate change can cause symptoms. It can also be caused by using unsuitable shampoos and other hair care products, or frequent use of a hair dryer.

• Itching and flaking of the skin of the face - this part of the head is always open, therefore it is most susceptible to the influence of external factors: wind, frost, heat, ultraviolet radiation.

A woman's face is constantly exposed to decorative and caring cosmetics. A man's face often suffers from its absolute absence and the need for daily shaving.

In addition, the face often becomes the target of allergies, fungal infections, and demodicosis.

• Itching in the ears and peeling - moderate peeling is not an indicator of pathological processes, but severe peeling, accompanied by itching, is a reason to be wary and undergo an examination for vitamin and mineral deficiency, diabetes, skin diseases, the presence of a furuncle or pimple in the ear, fungus. It is quite possible that the body has weakened its immunity or does not have enough moisture.
• Peeling and itching of the eyelid - the skin around the eyes is very sensitive, so it quickly reacts to various negative effects. Thus, the eyelids immediately respond with itching, redness and peeling to any allergens, overwork, prolonged work with a computer. Often such manifestations are caused by eyelash mites, the use of low-quality cosmetics, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, viral infections, flu.
• Itching and peeling of the lips - may be an indicator of excessive dryness of the skin, the influence of unfavorable weather conditions (wind, sun, frost), indicate an inflammatory process occurring in the body. The formation of dry crusts on the lips, burning, redness of the border around them, cracks in the corners are symptoms of cheilosis.
• Itching and flaking around the nose - if there is no runny nose as a result of a cold, then the reason for this may be vitamin deficiency, allergies, poor skin care, infection with a skin mite parasite, a fungus that causes facial seborrhea. It may well be that the cosmetics are not suitable, the creams used do not correspond to the skin type.
• Itchy and flaky eyebrows are most likely a dermatological problem of the entire face or a reflection of health. It is possible that the skin requires a different approach to care. Perhaps the indoor microclimate has a detrimental effect on the epidermis or prolonged exposure to the outdoors.
• Peeling and itching on the chin - hormonal changes, stressful situations, poor nutrition, preference for fatty foods, lack of sleep - all this can affect the skin of the chin, unless there are medical problems here.
• Flaking and itching on the neck - the skin of this part of the body is very delicate and sensitive, so it often reacts to allergens, poor-quality moisturizing or nourishing products. It can easily become inflamed and itch from friction with a synthetic collar or scarf.

In addition, such discomfort in the neck area can be caused by a number of diseases: neurodermatitis, psoriasis, thyroid pathologies (hyperthyroidism, iodine deficiency, diffuse goiter).

• Itching and flaking on the back - if we are not talking about neglecting the rules of personal hygiene, then the reasons should be sought among such diseases as xeroderma (not a systemic pathology, but associated with a violation of the process of exfoliation of epithelial cells), psoriasis, fungal infections, dry seborrhea. You should not discount an allergic reaction to detergents or irritation from using a too hard washcloth.
• Itching and peeling of the nipples is a very tender and delicate area of the body, and if the symptoms affect only it, then most likely it is a reaction to underwear or a manifestation of internal problems of the body, which must be determined by visiting a doctor. In pregnant women, dry nipples can be explained by hormonal changes, while in nursing women, it can be injured as a result of improper latching during lactation. Other reasons are also possible, such as manifestations of allergies or dermatitis.
• Flaking and itching on the legs - occurs for the same reasons as in other parts of the body. Similar symptoms felt between the legs, on the inner thighs, can occur due to friction if they are full. Often itching and flaking are provoked by synthetic clothing. Women remove hair from their lower limbs with a razor and this leads to skin irritation.

Itching and peeling of the feet, especially between the toes, is often caused by a fungus, since when the feet are in shoes, they sweat, creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of microorganisms.

• Peeling and itching of the hands can be caused by excessive dry skin, eczema, illnesses that weaken the body's defenses, stress, and taking medications.

The skin on the elbows is rougher, it has no sebaceous glands, so it differs from the skin on other parts of the hands. Slight peeling does not indicate any pathology. But itching, crusting, redness can indicate diseases of such organs as the stomach, thyroid gland, adrenal glands or be a sign of diabetes, eczema.

The skin between the fingers often peels because the hands are constantly in contact with various substances that are aggressive towards them. Due to tactile contact with objects accessible to many hands, it is easy to become infected with skin diseases, such as scabies.

• Itching and flaking under the armpits - often appears due to a person's too close attention to this area. The rules of good manners require that there be no hair there, which means they must be shaved, but sometimes damage remains, and you can't use the same blade for a long time.

In areas of increased sweating, deodorants and antiperspirants are used, which are not always perceived by the skin. Those who do not follow these rules may experience prickly heat, and bacteria, including Candida fungus, easily multiply.

• Flaking and itching in the groin area can be of both infectious and non-infectious origin, a consequence of mechanical damage, allergic contact dermatitis. This may indicate erythrasma - pseudomycosis of bacterial origin, localized in large folds of the body. Infection with pubic lice or lichen planus is not excluded.
• Flaking and itching in the intimate area - there are many pathologies that can cause such symptoms, including in the labia area in women. Fluctuations in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone lead to a hormonal imbalance, and often discomfort of this kind.

This may be a manifestation of allergies, dysbacteriosis, thrush, venereal diseases, Gibert's pink lichen, phthiriasis, inflammation of the external genitalia (adnexitis, cervicitis, colpitis).

• Itching and peeling in a child - his tender and thin skin is even more susceptible to irritation, damage, infectious infections. The fragile body of a child often responds with such symptoms to various foods and even mother's milk, if the mother allowed herself to eat something non-dietary.

Hereditary predisposition is also important, epidermophytosis, pityriasis versicolor, ichthyosis, secondary syphilis, eczema, atopic or contact dermatitis, microsporia, lupus erythematosus, Staphylococcus aureus are possible. As we can see, there are many reasons, but in making a diagnosis you should rely only on a doctor.

Diagnostics itchy and flaky skin

Most people initially try to cope with the problem on their own, but if in addition to peeling there is itching, the skin becomes inflamed, you need to see a dermatologist. Diagnosis of dermatoses is not easy due to their large number (more than 2 thousand). A correctly and thoroughly collected anamnesis plays a major role in making a diagnosis. Everything is important here: age, type of work, living conditions, time of day of the most intense manifestations of symptoms, general health, etc.

To establish a diagnosis, allergy tests are performed to identify the allergen. They can be intradermal, drop, patch, or application. Skin biopsy is another method of histological examination. A culture of the fungus is also taken to grow if it is suspected.

The general health condition is assessed using general blood and urine tests, as well as a complete blood count. A stool test can detect helminth infestation, and a co-program can detect dysbacteriosis.

The diagnosis of dermatomycosis is clarified by microscopic examination of scales from flaking areas. A smear from the vagina or secretion from the prostate gland is also subjected to this procedure. For a more in-depth study of the condition of internal organs that can cause dermatological problems, ultrasound and CT are used.

Differential diagnosis

The task of differentiating skin diseases is very difficult, since with different etiologies their manifestations are often similar. And yet, there are various studies specific to a particular disease that allow for a diagnosis.

Treatment itchy and flaky skin

Therapeutic measures are primarily aimed at the cause that caused the epidermis reaction. With the help of immunomodulators, the body's defenses are increased. For external use, ointments and gels are used to relieve itching and peeling.

Medicines

Allergic reactions are relieved by antihistamines: cetirizine, loratadine, alerzin.

Cetirizine is an antagonist of peripheral H ₁ receptors, has an antiallergic effect. It is not prescribed to children under 12 years of age, the dose for other categories is 1 tablet per day. Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the drug, patients with severe renal impairment. Requires caution in use by epileptics, pregnant and lactating women. Side effects include drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea.

External antihistamines include ointments and creams for itching and flaking, divided into hormonal (corticosteroid): prednisolone ointment, advantan, celestoderm; non-hormonal: sudocrem, panthenol, fenistil gel; antiallergic ointments with an antibiotic: erythromycin, levomekol, akriderm.

To combat helminths, anthelmintic drugs are used: pyrantel, decaris, vermox, mebendazole.

Pyrantel is available in tablet and suspension form. Children under 6 years of age can be given the drug in liquid form, tablets are recommended for adults and older children. To get rid of parasitic roundworms, the dose is 1 tablet per 10 kg of the child's weight, for adults - 6-8 pieces per day.

For enterobiasis and ascariasis - 1 tablet per 20 kg of weight and 3-4, respectively, once. The drug can cause allergic reactions and has some side effects, such as: dizziness, asthenia, insomnia, urticaria.

To prevent infection with demodicosis, lichen, and scabies, antiparasitic drugs are used; sulfur ointment is especially effective.

Sulfur ointment - used externally, applied in a thin layer to damaged areas 2-3 times a day. Not used for children under 3 years old, the effect on pregnancy has not been studied. The product can cause local reactions.

Zinovite cream for irritation, peeling and itching - resists fungi, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect. Made on the basis of natural oils using zinc pyrithione and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate. Apply to the skin in the morning and at night. Depending on the diagnosis, the course of treatment can be 6 weeks. There is no information on contraindications.

For some skin diseases, including psoriasis, immunomodulators are used as part of a complex treatment. One of them is cyclosporine.

Cyclosporine - injections are most often used for treatment. The dosage is individual, on average 2.5 mg per kilogram of weight per day. Duration of treatment is up to 3 months. The drug has many side effects, including high blood pressure, deterioration of vision, tremor, anemia, exacerbation of gastritis. It is not used for children under one year old, during pregnancy, lactation, oncological diseases, anemia.

Anti-itching and anti-flaking shampoos

Itching and flaking of the scalp most often indicates seborrheic dermatitis. It can be treated with a comprehensive approach, including both drug treatment and proper hair care using specialized shampoos.

They should have the following effect:

• antifungal;
• anti-inflammatory;
• exfoliating;
• antipruritic;
• antibacterial.

They cannot be used daily, but only 2-3 times a week. The most popular ones are "Nizoral" and "Sulsena". In fact, there are a lot of dandruff shampoos. Well-known and not so well-known manufacturers have similar products in their line. Among them are Vichy, Head & Shoulders, Clear Vita Abe, Green Pharmacy and others.

Vitamins

Vitamin deficiency is another link in the chain of factors affecting skin health. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties, C blocks the action of free radicals, E prevents skin dehydration, B1 promotes its elasticity, B2 relieves inflammation, improves cellular metabolism, accelerates regeneration, D participates in metabolic processes, ensures the absorption of calcium and phosphorus (without it, many vitamins, including group B, are not absorbed). Vitamins A and D can suppress the manifestations of psoriasis.

All of them provide resistance of the epidermis and the body as a whole against various diseases. It is very difficult to obtain all the useful substances in sufficient and balanced quantities by selecting products, so it is better to take pharmacy complexes.

Physiotherapy treatment

Skin treatment with natural factors can give good results. Physiotherapeutic methods include light therapy (ultraviolet radiation), photo-, photochemo-, and cryotherapy.

Folk remedies

You shouldn't rely on the success of folk treatment alone, but you can combine it with medication. Here are some recipes:

• lotions from potato and cucumber juice;
• lubrication of problem areas with a mixture of olive oil and propolis;
• use of soda solution;
• cold compresses.

Herbal treatment

Herbs that have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and soothing properties are suitable. Decoctions and infusions of succession, chamomile, parsley, calendula, and celandine can be taken internally, or used in baths and local compresses.

Homeopathy

Homeopaths have many remedies in their arsenal that can eliminate itching and flaking of the skin. For these symptoms, which are aggravated by warmth, use sulfur, clay, wolfsbane; for chronic eczema - potassium arsenide; for itching in the folds of the skin - coffee tree; eyelids, ears - Canadian sunflower; head - sabadilla; lips - picric acid, back - daisy, genitals - hemlock, water navel.

Complications and consequences

The consequences and complications depend on the severity of the diagnosis. In any case, you cannot ignore or aggravate the problem, you need to eliminate it.

Prevention

Preventive measures to ensure good skin condition include maintaining the body's water balance, maintaining body hygiene, using high-quality skin care products that nourish, moisturize, but do not dry out. It is necessary to take care of natural clothing that does not cause irritation, reduce the impact of stress on the body, and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Forecast

The prognosis for getting rid of itching and flaking is ambiguous and depends on the diagnosis. Lichen, seborrhea, allergic rashes and many other dermatological problems are curable, and psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus forever. People live with them, periodically undergoing a course of treatment.