Flaky Skin: Common Causes and Symptoms

Peeling or flaky skin occurs due to a range of different reasons, including eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, or skin inflammatory processes. Regardless of the cause, though, although not life threatening, can be unpleasant condition to deal with due to severe itching, pain, or redness. 

Identifying the symptoms, however, could help you treat them quickly and improve the skin in the least amount of time. Some of the common causes include eczema, dry skin without insufficient moisturizer use, and rarely infections including fungal infection. Some specific types of medications such as a topical retinoids which are a common prescription used for acne, for instance, can quickly cause flaky, dry, and red skin. Additionally, cancer therapies including oral or injectable medications may produce adverse reactions and lead to peeling skin. In general, any single condition which results in the actual formation of a blister could cause your skin to peel as it heals.

It is safe to say that the treatment will going to vary depending on the cause of the flaky skin. Dry skin due to eczema can be improved with excellent dry skin care. If a fungal infection is the trigger then treating with appropriate antifungal agents is important. Psoriasis with thickened red scaly patches and plaques can be improved with dry skin therapies and additional prescriptions. Finally, if a drug is the culprit discontinuing the drug for 3-6 months, if possible, can improve symptoms.