Scaly skin is a skin disorder that can interfere with appearance. Scaly skin occurs when the outermost layer of skin is peeled off. While dry skin is the most common cause, scaly skin can also be caused by contact dermatitis or psoriasis.
Scaly skin is characterized by skin that looks dry and cracked, giving it a "scaly" impression. This condition can occur on the hands, feet, and even the face. Scaly skin may also be accompanied by itching and redness.
Various Causes of Scaly Skin
The appearance of scaly skin is not only when you have dry skin, but it can also be a symptom of certain diseases. The following are some of the causes of scaly skin:
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that occurs as a result of exposure to a substance that causes irritation or triggers an allergic reaction. The cause can be different for each person, ranging from chemicals in detergents or soaps, to metallic materials in jewelry.
Athlete's foot or tinea pedis
Dry skin can also be caused by tinea pedis, a fungal infection that usually appears between the toes. This fungal infection can cause the skin to become scaly, dry, itchy, red, cracked or blistered. Tinea pedis is usually not serious, but it must be treated immediately so it doesn't spread to other parts of the body or even spread to other people.
psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disorder in the form of thick red patches that are itchy, painful, and often make the skin look scaly. This condition occurs due to a disorder in the immune system that makes skin cells change too quickly. From the usual one month to just a few days.
Ichthyosis vulgaris
Skin disorders ichthyosis vulgaris sometimes referred to as fish scale disease or fish skin disease. This disorder makes the skin dry and scaly. Usually found in newborns or in early childhood.
Hypoparathyroid
Dry, scaly skin can also be a symptom of hypoparathyroidism, a rare condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands in the neck don't produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). The amount of PTH that is too little makes calcium levels in the body decrease and phosphorus levels increase. This is what makes the skin dry and scaly.
To treat scaly skin, it is necessary to determine the cause first through the diagnostic process. Once the cause is known, the new doctor can provide appropriate treatment.
Scaly skin is rarely a symptom of an emergency or dangerous condition. However, if the scaly skin is accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, nausea, vomiting, high fever, feeling very weak or blisters appear, go to the doctor immediately for treatment.