PEELING SKIN
To understand the reasons behind peeling skin one needs to understand the structure of the skin. The skin consists of three basic layers: the outer layer or epidermis, the middle layer or dermis and the inner layer referred to as hypodermis. Each of these layers provides a particular function and is in a continuous state of change. Every 28 days the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, is completely replaced once. The 28 day change, in the outer cover of the skin, is influenced by various factors such as hydration, friction, sun exposure and various other environmental issues.
Peeling skin is therefore a temporary problem and is known to heal in a few days as the new skin surfaces. Though there are few exceptions such as: in case of infections or medications that cause the skin to peel or a hereditary disorder known as Peeling Skin Syndrome, all of which may require medical consultation to cure peeling skin. Some of the known causes leading to this skin disorder are: excessive perspiration, staph or viral infections, or excessive sun exposure resulting in sunburn. Sunburn is one of the most common causes known that lead to peeling skin. As sunburn heats the top layers of the skin it begins to peel naturally. Therefore, peeling skin is rarely ever considered as a fatal or harmful disorder. One can regain natural skin in a couple of days or a quick visit to the general physician will ensure faster recovery.
Symptoms for Peeling Skin
Some known skin disorders that cause peeling skin symptoms
Peeling skin is a symptom in itself. Certain skin disorders also cause the skin to peel.
Here are some known skin disorders that lead to symptoms of peeling skin:
-Erythroderma, may cause thickening and flaking of the skin.
-Exfoliative dermatitis, causes the skin to flake.
-Hand eczema, lead to rashes and itches on the hands due to increasing use of harsh soaps and detergents.
-Eczema causes chronic skin rash which progresses to skin inflammation and may lead to skin peeling
-Psoriasis surfaces on the skin by scaling and inflammation of the skin causing it to peel
-Ichthyosis is a rare disease caused mainly due to dryness, the resulting roughness leads to scaly fish-like skin
-Kawasaki disease, a disorder usually found among in infants and young children causes rash and swelling of the hands.
-Scarlet fever sometimes causes rashes over the upper body which spreads through the entire body.
-Vitamin A overdose shows symptoms of skin peeling.
Causes for Peeling Skin
Probable causes other than skin disorders that lead to peeling skin
Various skin disorders or medical conditions may lead to peeling skin as a symptom.
Here is a compilation of the most probable causes other than skin disorders that lead to peeling skin:
-Heavy perspiration due to tight gloves or boots
-Certain blisters contain fluid between the two layers of skin. When the blister breaks it leaves the skin open to be peeled.
-Rashes may cause skin peeling
-Dry skin and extreme cold weather can make the skin peel.
-Sunburn is a commonly known reason for skin peeling -Allergy to specific chemicals or irritation from chemicals can cause skin peeling.
-TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) or blisters which cover the whole body, is a rare disease that causes the skin to peel.
-The Peeling Skin Syndrome or Skin Peeling Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes continuous skin peeling may also be a probable cause.
Home Remedies to cure peeling skin
Nature care has some helpful remedies to provide immediate relief and for continuous use to make the skin prevent disorders such as peeling skin.
Here is a compilation of some such known home remedies that one can use for curing peeling skin. It is important to note that if desirable results are not achieved it is wise to consult a physician.
-Grated cucumber applied over the affected areas for 15-20 minutes has been found to be effective especially for the skin on the face. Regular application prevents dryness of the skin.
-Applying the juice of fresh mint every night on affected areas of the skin can help prevent dryness. It is also a suggested remedy for eczema and dermatitis.
-Honey, olive oil and a mixture of turmeric and sandalwood paste are very effective in rejuvenating dry, parched skin
Diet for Peeling Skin
Replenish essential vitamins to deal with Peeling Skin
Diet plays a very important part in nurturing a healthy skin. Skin disorders usually surface due to diet inconsistencies. This can be avoided by having a healthy and nutritional diet that nourishes the skin and keeps disorders at bay.
A good diet must include important nutrients for the well-being of the body. It must include protein, carbohydrates, fats, essential fatty acids, and all essential vitamins and minerals.
Peeling of the skin is sometimes caused due to deficiency in Vitamin A, Iron, Iodine or Vitamin B. While proteins and Vitamin C, prevent infections and accelerate healing. Replenish the skin with these basic essentials by including them as part of the regular diet.
Here is a list of sources of these essentials vitamins:
Vitamin Sources
Vitamin A: Cream, butter, fish liver oils, eggs, carrots
Vitamin B: Meat, yeast, unpolished cereal grains, liver, eggs, cheese, milk.
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, green peppers and tomatoes
Proteins: Meat, fish, cereals, dairy products, nuts, lentils, pulses and some vegetables.
Iron: Red meat, almonds, baked beans, broccoli, kidney beans, peas, raisins, rice etc
Other Suggestions for Peeling Skin
Dos and Donts of Peeling Skin
Some simple situations best avoided can accelerate healing.
Here is a compilation of the certain preferred and most avoidable situations one can note when faced with peeling skin:
Do’s
-One may snip loose ends of the peeling skin but avoid cutting skin bound to the skin.
-Moisturizing peeling skin may help. Soothe dry the peeling skin and moisturize it with any good moisturizing cream or lotion.
-For all-over peeling, a soak in an oatmeal bath is a helpful remedy.
-Drink plenty of water about 10-12 glasses a day.
-Use sunscreens when out in the sun.
-Use mild soaps instead of strong and harsh soaps
Don’ts:
-Resist the temptation to pick or scratch the peeling skin .It may damage the skin further.
-Avoid taking a hot water bath as it drains the skin of its natural oils. Warms baths are milder and causes less damage to the skin.
-Stay out of the sun during Peek UV Radiation times such as: during mid day 11.00am-2.00pm.
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