Scaly skin affects a large proportion of people. In most cases, the complaints are based on harmless causes, although they can also be an indication of serious diseases. By taking appropriate measures, scaly skin can usually be prevented.
What is scaly skin?
Scaly skin is visible skin flakes that come off easily. These skin scales are dead horny cells. By scaly skin is meant visible skin flakes that come off easily. These skin scales are dead horny cells, also called corneocytes. The formation of dandruff is usually completely natural, but it can also take on pathological features. If the skin scales excessively, it is noticeable by white dots on the shoulders. The cause is a disturbance of the protective layer of the skin.
Causes
Scaly skin occurs when the natural protective layer of the skin is disturbed. Such a disorder manifests itself by either more skin cells dying than new ones being produced or by more skin cells being produced than needed. A balance of fat and moisture is essential for the function of the protective layer. If the skin is dry or contains too little fat, the skin cells die and dandruff develops. The disappearance of the natural protective layer can have several causes. Cold and heat, for example, dry out the skin just as quickly as unsuitable shampoos, soaps or creams. In addition to these causes, which can be easily remedied, flaky skin can also be caused by disease. Thus, it is mainly fungal infections or allergic reactions that promote the formation of dandruff. Genetic causes or autoimmunological diseases are also frequent causes. In addition, deficiencies as a result of a serious illness as well as neurodermatitis can trigger psoriasis and scaly skin.
Diseases with this symptom
- Psoriasis
- Neurodermatitis
- Ichtyosis vulgaris
Diagnosis and course
Scaly skin can be easily diagnosed as such in normal cases. The cause can also be determined by means of a few examinations. First and foremost, a medical history is relied upon to provide an initial indication of the reasons for its development. Depending on whether the scaly skin is due to care errors or whether a disease is suspected, further steps are taken. These are mainly allergy tests. In particular, if redness and itching of the skin occur, a differential diagnostic examination becomes necessary in order to exclude diseases such as neurodermatitis and contact dermatitis. Differentiation of the two conditions may require more intensive diagnostic testing. Scaly skin therefore usually has harmless causes that can be remedied by appropriate measures. Special shampoos and an increased body genius can already achieve a lot. However, if no action is taken, the excessive flaking can lead to further problems. Scratched areas on the head can become inflamed, for example, and extremely dry skin can promote hair loss.
Complications
Many people suffer from dry and scaly skin. Behind it can be fungal infections, psoriasis or even bad genetic predispositions. While the problem is often seen by patients as a purely cosmetic one, dry skin areas should always be treated by a doctor, as the protective function of the skin in these areas is obviously disturbed. If the problem is left untreated, it will lead to increased itching or even expansion of the eczema. As soon as the patient puts additional strain on the dry skin by scratching, the sore skin can also become inflamed. In the case of an open wound, the risk of becoming infected with bacteria is naturally also greater. In the case of dry skin triggered by dehydration, the affected skin areas should be treated with highly fatty creams or moisturizing lotions. If the dry skin still worsens despite treatment, it must be considered that it could be neurodermatitis or a fungus. While a fungus can be cured, only the symptoms of neurodermatitis can be alleviated. In general, a dermatologist should be consulted in every case, who will decide on the temporal extent and the intensity of the treatment. If the skin is already attacked, it can rarely regenerate on its own.
When should you go to the doctor?
Scaly skin is usually harmless and does not require medical clarification. However, if the dandruff persists over a long period of time and the usual care products and home remedies do not promise any relief, a doctor should be consulted. It is possible that the symptoms are due to an allergy or another disease that needs to be treated by a doctor. A visit to the doctor is also recommended if the skin is also itchy or red. If rashes have already formed on the skin, a dermatologist must be consulted. This is especially true if inflammatory psoriasis, scabies or neurodermatitis are suspected. Also, if hair falls out or other problems with the skin or hair occur, this should be clarified. Scaly skin after a long trip or a visit to the swimming pool indicates a fungal infection, which should be examined by the family doctor or a dermatologist. Other symptoms that argue for an immediate visit to the doctor are weeping spots, crusting, pustules on elbows and knees and brittle hair.
Treatment and therapy
In order to avoid the above-mentioned problems, scaly skin must be treated in any case. In order to restore the damaged protective layer of the skin and to prevent the constant itching and the associated scratching from leading to skin injuries, early action should be taken. In most cases, special creams and lotions already help to alleviate the discomfort. These should contain, among other things, panthenol, allantoin and omega-6 fatty acids, as these substances strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier. If the skin is not free of dandruff after regular treatment with the appropriate creams, psoriasis or neurodermatitis may be suspected. Special preparations can also be used in this case, although those affected should always consult a dermatologist so as not to aggravate the symptoms. Ointments with corticosteroids have proven to be effective, which cannot completely eliminate atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, but can greatly reduce the symptoms that occur. Finally, treatment with salicylic acid can help to clear the psoriasis without further irritating the skin. Neurodermatitis can only be treated effectively after determining the exact cause. In addition to lotions and ointments, anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. Light therapy is also a treatment method that can be used to get neurodermatitis “under control”, always focusing on restoring the skin’s natural protective layer.
Outlook and prognosis
At first glance, dandruff is not a worrying clinical picture. They occur during the formation of new skin, so this is a completely normal process of the human body. However, there is also a prognosis in which there is a disorder of the skin. Only when at least 500 smaller scales hang together, the scales become visible to the human eye. However, this happens only when the skin has an excessive death of old skin cells. In particularly dry skin, this symptom occurs very often. Without medical treatment, the skin dries out more and more, so that more scales are formed, which become visible to the naked eye. Without medication or medical treatment, the skin can become extremely and intensely dry. Especially if an underlying disease such as neurodermatitis is behind it, affected areas can spread to healthy skin regions. In addition, reddening and irritation of the skin may occur, as dry skin shows increased itching. With appropriate treatment, however, a prognosis looks quite promising. With various ointments and creams, the natural protective layer of the skin can be rebuilt, so that the production of dandruff is significantly reduced. Thus, after several weeks, no visible dandruff should be visible.
Prevention
Flaky skin can be prevented in many ways. So it already brings a lot, the skin not to load too much and, for example, not too hot or too cold shower. In addition, drying creams should be avoided as far as possible, as they promote the formation of dandruff. In general, aggressive cleansing agents should be avoided. Re-greasing shampoos and lotions, on the other hand, provide the skin with a lot of moisture and fat and are therefore recommended.Anyone who is exposed to intense cold or heat for a long period of time should use moisturizing creams. In addition, scaly and itchy areas should not be scratched excessively to avoid inflammation. Finally, if psoriasis or scaly skin suddenly appears, a dermatologist should be consulted. This can prevent further complaints and in the case of neurodermatitis initiate the appropriate therapy.
What you can do yourself
Scaly skin can be counteracted with various home remedies. First, the possible triggers should be found and eliminated. A dry or damp room climate can be just as responsible for dandruff as certain medications, aggressive skin care products or a lack of nutrients. It is also possible that flaky skin is due to a lack of water, which can be compensated for by drinking sufficient fluids. Anti-dandruff creams help against psoriasis, but also regular massages and abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes. A homemade hair tonic with rosemary helps against flaky scalp. A nettle shampoo moisturizes the skin all over the body and stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce oil. In winter, flaky skin can be treated with natural yogurt or aloe vera. In addition, creams and ointments, olive oil and the obligatory curd or yogurt mask help. Alternatively, effective face masks can be made from almonds, cream or avocado. Applications with honey and cucumber moisturize and provide dry skin with nutrients. Homemade facial tonic made from carrot juice and tea tree oil works similarly well. An old home remedy is egg yolk mixed with olive oil and massaged into the skin. Creams with urea, allantoin and panthenol can be used to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier.