Definition
Skin scales are small parts of the skin that peel off from the surface. Dandruff (dermatological term: squama) is caused by the fact that cells of the uppermost layer of the skin, the horny cells (keratinocytes) of the horny layer (stratum corneum), die and as a result separate from the other layers of the skin. This is a completely normal process, as our skin is constantly renewing itself; the old cells make room, so to speak, for the new ones coming from below.
However, the “skin flakes” created during this natural regeneration process are usually so small that they are not even noticed. Only when about 500 cells are combined do the skin scales become visible to the human eye. Test
Classification
The skin scales can be subdivided according to various characteristics: Size and form of the horn scales can often already give an indication of the cause of the scales.
- Classification according to the size of the skin scales: fine, medium or coarse lamellar
- Classification according to the shape of the skin scales: leaf-shaped, shield-shaped, platelet-shaped or bran-shaped
What are the causes of skin flakes?
Skin flakes can have various causes. The most common cause is dry skin. The dryness and reduced work of the sebaceous glands leads to an imbalance of the skin.
Increased dying and regrowth of new skin leads to the formation of dandruff. Dandruff is a flaked off skin particle. Fatty ointments such as linoleum fat or Bepanthen ointment help against dry skin.
Mixed creams from the dermatologist can also be very helpful, as these creams are individually adapted to the condition of the skin. Another reason for scaly skin can be a skin fungus (mycosis). In principle, the fungus can occur anywhere, but it usually manifests itself in warm, moist areas of the skin.
These include the intimate area, skin folds and the armpit. Here the therapy of choice is a fungicide (antimycotic). Canesten® is freely available, but a doctor should be consulted in the case of severe fungal infections.
Skin scales can also be caused by the clinical picture of psoriasis. This is an inflammatory disease. Psoriasis is accompanied by redness and scaling of the skin, and occasionally itching and pain. Psoriasis requires systemic therapy, in acute phases with cortisone. Admission to hospital is often unavoidable.
