Therapy
In the simplest case, skin flakes are simply caused by the skin being too dry. Then you can perform a self-treatment.This therapy is based primarily on supplying the skin with sufficient fluid. Various care products and cleansing agents are available for this purpose.
Urea (which not only moisturizes the skin but can also loosen dandruff) and oil-based preparations (for example almond oil, soybean oil or peanut oil) are particularly suitable. Regular moisturizing baths also help to supply the skin with moisture. In addition, one should make sure to use only cosmetic products that are designated for dry skin, not to wash the skin too often or to stay in the water for too long and to take in sufficient liquid.
If the skin flakes are the symptom of an underlying disease, the main thing is that this disease is treated appropriately, otherwise the skin flakes cannot regress (at least not permanently). Skin scales in the context of psoriasis can be removed with the help of ointment dressings containing active ingredients such as urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid. It is also important to use anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone (caution: do not use for too long, otherwise the affected skin will become thinner and thinner), dithranol or calcitriol (derived from vitamin D).
If the symptoms are more severe, it is possible to switch from local therapy to systemic treatment. Then, for example, retinoids (derived from vitamin A) can be taken to loosen the dandruff faster and inhibit cell growth. In addition, substances that suppress the immune system, for example methotrexate, can be used.
Alternatives are treatment with UV radiation or laser, but this should only be carried out under strict medical supervision. If the skin scales have developed on the floor of a neurodermatitis, anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone and immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus can also help. Light and climate therapy are also already established for neurodermatitis.
Other drugs used in neurodermatitis are aimed at the allergic component of this disease. Antihistamines or a specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) also help against skin flakes in neurodermatitis. In the case of skin flakes caused by fungal infections, special anti-fungal agents (antimycotics) should be applied to the affected areas.
These are available, mostly over-the-counter, in different dosage forms: as powders, creams, solutions, sprays and, for therapy-resistant courses, also as tablets. Bifonazole, Clotrimazole or Terbinafine are particularly popular for the skin. It is important that the treatment is carried out consistently over three to four weeks (see package insert), even if the dandruff disappears earlier.
Of course, the general measures described above also help against skin flakes caused by these diseases. Skin flakes are difficult to remove from the skin. It is therefore important to find the cause of the dandruff and treat it.
The simplest and most common explanation is dry skin. This is usually caused by cold weather in the winter months or by frequent contact with water. The hands and scalp are mainly affected.
The therapy for dry skin is a caring skin cream. This can be rich like Linola Fat or Bepanthen®. If the skin is oily despite the scaling, it is worth going to the dermatologist.
The dermatologist can have creams individually mixed for each skin type in the pharmacy. If there is another reason for the scaling of the skin, a doctor must also be consulted. If it is a skin fungus, an antimycotic should be used to prevent the fungus from spreading.
If it is an autoimmune disease, a systemic treatment should be sought. This may have to be carried out as an inpatient treatment over several days or weeks. There are many home remedies against skin flakes.
A well-known remedy for dandruff is hair lotion. It can be composed in various ways, often containing nettles. The hair tonic itself can be prepared according to a recipe.
Another tip against dandruff is tea tree oil. It is available in drugstores and is effective against many major problems. Besides reducing dandruff, tea tree oil is also said to have an antimycotic effect.
The Tea Tree Oil can also be applied to pimples and blackheads and is therefore very versatile. Olive oil or coconut oil can also be applied to the entire skin to combat dry skin.The oil moisturizes and rebalances the skin. The olive oil or coconut oil can also be applied to the scalp.
