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Health

Itching and peeling of the skin

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 20.08.2022
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The epidermis, or top layer of human skin, is made up of cells called the epithelium. It is multilayered, the process of keratinization constantly takes place in it, the final stage of which is the formation of keratins - a protective and renewing stratum corneum. By peeling, the skin scales are separated, their place is taken by new ones. This is a normal physiological process as long as it does not cause itching. Itching and peeling of the skin often indicates the presence of dermatoses.

Causes of the itching and flaking of the skin

All the reasons why itching and flaking of the skin occur can be divided into several groups. These can be diseases of the skin itself, the most common of which are:

  • eczema; [1]
  • psoriasis; [2]
  • scabies; [3]
  • ringworm; [4]
  • seborrhea. [5]

The second, no less rare, is the pathology of other organs and systems that have skin manifestations:

  • allergy; [6]
  • malfunctions of the liver and gallbladder;
  • parasitic infestation;
  • dysfunction of the sebaceous glands due to improper metabolism;
  • neurological disorders.

Third group:

  • mechanical damage;
  • sunburn;
  • reaction to detergents.

Risk factors

Factors that aggravate the condition of the skin include age-related dryness of the epidermis, the cold season, low room humidity, and active sun. Improper care can also cause considerable harm to her.

Pathogenesis

The process of regeneration of the epidermis is provided by its basal, lowest layer. Above it are spiny, granular, shiny and the most superficial horny.

Skin cells, keratinocytes, produce the protein substance keratin, which over time accumulates in the form of scales without nerve endings and blood vessels on the surface of the skin and exfoliates.

Skin renewal occurs constantly, its cycle is 21-28 days at a young age, much less often in the elderly. Violation of this complex mechanism leads to various problems and dermatological diseases.

Epidemiology

Currently, more than 1.5 thousand skin diseases are known. Adding to them internal pathologies with the same manifestations, peeling and itching from the influence of external factors, we get frightening statistics that are difficult to fully record and express with specific numbers.

Symptoms

The first signs in the form of peeling, redness and itching cannot be missed, because there is an irresistible need to scratch, rub the place of its localization. An itchy and scaly rash may also appear. Where do these symptoms most often appear?

  • Itching and peeling of the head - occurs against the background of seborrheic dermatitis due to malnutrition, hormonal imbalance, bad habits, psoriasis, eczema or ringworm.

Severe stress, climate change can cause symptoms. It can also occur due to the use of inappropriate shampoos and other hair care products, the frequent use of a hair dryer to dry them.

  • Itching and peeling of the skin of the face - this part of the head is always open, therefore it is most susceptible to the influence of external factors: wind, frost, heat, ultraviolet radiation.

A woman's face is under the constant influence of decorative, caring cosmetics. Men often suffer from the absolute absence of it and the need for daily shaving.

In addition, the face often becomes the object of manifestation of allergies, fungal infections, demodicosis.

  • Itching in the ears and peeling - moderate peeling is not an indicator of pathological processes, but severe, accompanied by itching, is a reason to be wary and undergo an examination for vitamin and mineral deficiency, diabetes, skin diseases, the presence of a boil or pimple in the ear, fungus. It is possible that the body has weakened its immunity or it does not have enough moisture.
  • Peeling and itching of the eyelid - the skin around the eyes is very sensitive, therefore it quickly reacts to various negative influences. So, the eyelids immediately respond with itching, redness and peeling to any allergens, overwork, prolonged work with a computer. Often such manifestations are caused by an eyelash mite, the use of low-quality cosmetics, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, viral infections, influenza.
  • Itching and peeling of the lips - may be an indicator of excessive dryness of the skin, the influence of adverse weather conditions (wind, sun, frost), indicate an inflammatory process occurring in the body. The formation of dry crusts on the lips, burning, reddening of the border around them, cracks in the corners are symptoms of cheilosis.
  • Itching and peeling around the nose - if there is no runny nose as a result of a cold, then the reason for this may lie in beriberi, allergies, poor skin care, infection with a skin mite parasite, a fungus that causes facial seborrhea. It may well be that cosmetics are not suitable, the creams used do not correspond to the type of skin.
  • Itching of the eyebrows and peeling is most likely a dermatological problem of the entire face or a reflection of a state of health. It is possible that the skin requires a different approach to caring for it. Perhaps the microclimate of the room adversely affects the epidermis or a long stay on the street.
  • Peeling and itching on the chin - hormonal changes, stressful situations, malnutrition, preference for fatty foods, lack of sleep - all this can affect the skin of the chin, unless there are medical problems.
  • Peeling on the neck and itching - the skin of this part of the body is very delicate and sensitive, therefore it often reacts to an allergen, to low-quality moisturizers or nutrients. It can easily become inflamed and itchy from friction with a synthetic collar or scarf.

In addition, such discomfort in the neck can be caused by a number of diseases: neurodermatitis, psoriasis, thyroid pathologies (hyperthyroidism, iodine deficiency, diffuse goiter).

  • Itching and peeling on the back - if we are not talking about neglecting the rules of personal hygiene, then the causes should be sought among diseases such as xeroderma (not a systemic pathology, but associated with a violation of the process of desquamation of epithelial cells), psoriasis, fungal infections, dry seborrhea. Do not discount the allergic reaction to detergents or irritation from using too hard washcloths.
  • Itching and peeling on the nipples is a very delicate and delicate area of the body, and if the symptoms affected only it, then most likely it is a reaction to underwear or a manifestation of internal body problems that need to be determined by visiting a doctor. In pregnant women, dry nipples can be explained by hormonal changes, while in lactating women, it can be injured as a result of improper grip during lactation. There may be other reasons, such as manifestations of allergies or dermatitis.
  • Peeling and itching on the legs - occurs for the same reasons as in other parts of the body. Similar symptoms felt between the legs, on the inner sides of the thighs, may be due to friction if they are full. Often itching and peeling is provoked by synthetic clothing. Women use a razor to remove hair from their lower extremities and this leads to skin irritation.

Itching and flaking of the feet, especially between the toes, is often caused by a fungus, because the foot sweats while in shoes, and beneficial mail appears for the reproduction of microorganisms.

  • Peeling and itching of the hands - this can lead to excessive dryness of the skin, eczema, diseases that weaken the body's defenses, stress, taking medications.

On the elbows, the skin is rougher, there are no sebaceous glands in it, so it differs from the skin on other parts of the hands. A slight peeling does not indicate any pathology. But itching, crusting, redness can give out diseases of organs such as the stomach, thyroid gland, adrenal glands, or be a sign of diabetes, eczema.

Between the fingers, the skin often peels off, because it is the hands that constantly come into contact with various substances that are aggressive towards them. Due to tactile contact with objects accessible to many hands, it is easy to contract skin diseases, such as scabies.

  • Itching and peeling under the armpits - often appears due to too close attention of a person to this area. The rules of good manners require that there be no hair, which means they must be shaved off, but sometimes damage remains, and the same blade cannot be used for a long time.

In the area of increased sweating, deodorants and antiperspirants are used, which are not always perceived by the skin. Those who do not follow these rules can develop prickly heat, and bacteria, including Candida, can easily multiply.

  • Peeling and itching in the groin - it can be of both infectious and non-infectious origin, the result of mechanical damage, allergic contact dermatitis. This may indicate erythrasma - pseudomycosis of bacterial origin, localized in large folds of the body. Infection with pubic lice or lichen planus is not excluded.
  • Peeling and itching in the intimate area - there are many pathologies that can cause such symptoms, including in the area of the labia in women. Fluctuations in the ratio of estrogen and progesterone entail a failure of hormonal balance, and often discomfort of this kind.

So allergies, dysbacteriosis, thrush, venereal diseases, pink lichen Zhibera, phthiriasis, inflammation of the external genital organs (adnexitis cervicitis, colpitis) can manifest themselves.

  • Itching and peeling in a child - his delicate and thin skin is even more susceptible to irritation, damage, infection. The fragile organism of the child often responds with similar symptoms to various foods and even mother's milk, if the mother allowed herself to eat something non-dietary.

Hereditary predisposition is also important, epidermophytosis, pityriasis versicolor, ichthyosis, secondary syphilis, eczema, atopic or contact dermatitis, microsporia, lupus erythematosus, Staphylococcus aureus are possible. As you can see, there are many reasons, but in making a diagnosis, you need to rely only on a doctor.

Diagnostics of the itching and flaking of the skin

Most people first try to cope with the problem on their own, but if, in addition to peeling, itching appears, the skin becomes inflamed, you need to contact a dermatologist. Diagnosis of dermatoses is not easy because of their large number (more than 2 thousand). A correct and detailed medical history plays an important role in making a diagnosis. Everything is important here: age, nature of work, living conditions, time of day of the most intense manifestations of symptoms, general health, etc.

To make a diagnosis, allergy tests are performed to identify the allergen. They are intradermal, drip, patchwork, application. Skin biopsy is another method of histological examination. They also take a crop to grow a culture of the fungus if it is suspected.

General health is assessed with the help of general blood and urine tests, as well as extensive blood tests. Fecal analysis is able to detect infection with helminths, and the co-program - the presence of dysbacteriosis.

The diagnosis of ringworm is clarified by microscopic examination of scales from scaly areas. This procedure is also subjected to a smear from the vagina or a secret from the prostate gland. For a deeper study of the state of internal organs, which can cause dermatological problems, they resort to ultrasound, CT.

Differential diagnosis

The task of differentiating a skin disease is very difficult, because with different etiologies, their manifestations are often similar to each other. Nevertheless, there are various disease-specific studies that can help determine the diagnosis.

Treatment of the itching and flaking of the skin

Therapeutic measures are primarily directed to the cause that caused the reaction of the epidermis. With the help of immunomodulators, they increase the body's defenses. For external use, ointments and gels are used to relieve itching and flaking.

Medications

Allergic manifestations are removed by antihistamines: cetirizine, loratadine, allerzin.

Cetirizine is a peripheral H1 receptor  antagonist that has an antiallergic effect. Children under 12 years of age are not prescribed, the dose for other categories is 1 tablet per day. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to the drug, patients with severe renal impairment. Requires caution in the use of epileptics, pregnant and lactating women. Side effects were observed drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, nausea.

External antihistamines include ointments and creams for itching and flaking, divided into hormonal (corticosteroid): prednisolone ointment, advantan, celestoderm; non-hormonal: sudocrem, panthenol, fenistil gel; antiallergic ointments with an antibiotic: erythromycin, levomekol, akriderm.

To combat helminths, antihelminthic drugs are used: pyrantel, decaris, vermox, mebendazole.

Pirantel - available in the form of tablets and suspensions. Babies under 6 years old can be given the drug in liquid form, tablets are recommended for adults and older children. To get rid of parasitic roundworms, the dose is 1 tablet per 10 kg of the child's weight, for adults - 6-8 pieces per day.

With enterobiasis and ascariasis - 1 table. Per 20 kg of weight and 3-4, respectively, once. The drug is capable of causing allergic reactions and has some side effects, such as: dizziness, asthenia, insomnia, urticaria.

From infection with demodicosis, lichen, scabies, antiparasitic drugs are used, sulfuric ointment is especially effective.

Sulfur ointment - used externally, applied in a thin layer on the damaged areas 2-3 times a day. It does not apply to children under 3 years of age, the effect on pregnancy has not been studied. The tool can cause local reactions.

Cynovit cream from irritation, peeling and itching - resists fungi, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial action. Produced on the basis of natural oils using zinc pyrithione and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate. Apply to the skin in the morning and at night. Depending on the diagnosis, the course of treatment can be 6 weeks. There is no information on contraindications.

For some skin diseases, including psoriasis, immunomodulators are used as part of complex treatment. One of them is cyclosporine.

Cyclosporine - most often injections are used for treatment. The dosage is individual, on average it is 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. The duration of treatment is up to 3 months. The drug has many side effects, including high blood pressure, blurred vision, tremor, anemia, exacerbation of gastritis. Not applicable to children under one year old, during pregnancy, lactation, cancer, anemia.

Shampoos for itching and flaking

Itching and flaking of the scalp most often indicates seborrheic dermatitis. An integrated approach can cope with it, including both drug treatment and proper hair care using specialized shampoos.

They should have the following effect:

  • antifungal;
  • anti-inflammatory;
  • exfoliating;
  • antipruritic;
  • antibacterial.

They can not be used daily, but only 2-3 times a week. Our most popular are Nizoral and Sulsena. In fact, there are a lot of shampoos for dandruff. Well-known and not so well-known manufacturers have similar tools in their line. Among them are Vichy, Head & Shoulders, Clear Vita Abe, Green Pharmacy and others.

Vitamins

Vitamin deficiency is another link in the chain of factors affecting skin health. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties, C - blocks the action of free radicals, E - prevents skin dehydration, B1 - promotes its elasticity, B2 - relieves inflammation, improves cellular metabolism, accelerates regeneration, D - participates in metabolic processes, ensures the absorption of calcium and phosphorus ( without it, many vitamins, including group B, are not absorbed). Vitamins A and D are able to suppress the manifestations of psoriasis.

All of them provide the resistance of the epidermis and the body as a whole against various diseases. It is very difficult to get all the useful substances in a sufficient and balanced amount through the selection of products, so it is better to take pharmacy complexes.

Physiotherapy treatment

Treatment of the skin with natural factors can give a good result. Of the physiotherapeutic methods, phototherapy (ultraviolet radiation), photo-, photochemo-, cryotherapy are used.

Alternative Treatment

Relying on the success of alternative treatment alone is not worth it, but it is quite possible to combine it with medication. Here are some of the recipes:

  • lotions from potato juice, cucumber;
  • lubrication of problem areas with a mixture of olive oil and propolis;
  • the use of a soda solution;
  • cold compresses.

Herbal treatment

From herbs, those with anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, soothing properties are suitable. Decoctions and infusions from a string, chamomile, parsley, calendula, celandine can be taken orally, and baths and compresses can be done locally with them.

Homeopathy

In the arsenal of homeopaths there are many remedies that can eliminate itching and flaking of the skin. With these symptoms, aggravated by heat, sulfur, clay, wolf's bast are used; chronic eczema - arsenic potassium; itching in the folds of the skin - coffee tree; century, ears - Canadian sunflower; heads - sabadilla; lips - picric acid, back - daisy, genitals - hemlock, water navel.

Complications and consequences

Consequences and complications depend on the severity of the diagnosis. In any case, it is impossible to ignore and aggravate the problem, it must be eliminated.

Prevention

Preventive measures that ensure good skin condition include maintaining the body's water balance, maintaining body hygiene, and using high-quality skin care products that nourish, moisturize, but do not overdry. It is necessary to take care of natural clothes that do not cause irritation, reduce the effect of stress on the body, and also lead a healthy lifestyle.

Forecast

The prognosis for getting rid of itching and flaking is ambiguous and depends on the diagnosis. Lichen, seborrhea, allergic rashes and many other dermatological problems are cured, and psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus forever. People live with them, periodically undergoing treatment.

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