What is Scaly Skin? Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and More

Eshna has a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism and a master’s degree in psychology. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for writing and her backgr... more

  • What Is Scaling Skin?
  • What Causes Scaly Skin?
  • What Are The Potential Complications Of Scaly Skin?
  • When Should You Visit a Doctor?
  • How To Prevent Scaling Skin
  • Treatment For Scaling Skin

What Is Scaling Skin?

Simply put, scaling skin is cracked, dry, or flaky skin. Also known as desquamation, scaly skin develops when the outermost layer of the skin called the epidermis starts to dry off. Commonly seen on the face, hands, and legs, scaly rashes can make a person feel conscious and embarrassed. Skin renewal is part of the body’s natural process of getting rid of old skin cells and generating new ones. The epidermis contains natural oils which help retain the moisture in your skin. But damage to this layer or the skin renewal process can result in dry and flaky skin.

Let’s head onto the next section to explore the causes behind scaly skin patches

What Causes Scaly Skin?

White scaly patches on your skin can be due to multiple factors. Dry and cold weather is one of the most common causes of scaly skin. Low humidity in the air reduces the function of the skin barrier and increases susceptibility to injuries. This may lead to your skin drying out (1). Exposure to common allergens and using products high in chemicals may result in an allergic reaction. Scaly skin may also be a symptom of the following medical conditions.

1. Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a dermatological condition characterized by itchy, scaly patches on your knees, elbows, and scalp. Diagnosed equally in men and women, a genetic history, stress, and infections have been attributed to the development of psoriasis (2). Below are the symptoms associated with psoriasis (3).

  • thick, red plaques
  • silver-colored scales
  • itchy skin
  • burning sensation
2. Eczema

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Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic skin disease commonly seen in children. Dry skin is a symptom commonly seen in eczema. This is due to the dysfunction of the skin barrier which is responsible for retaining moisture. Although the definitive cause of eczema is currently unknown, researchers suggest that it is a combination of genetics and environmental triggers (538209/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >4). The symptoms associated with eczema are (5):

  • itchy and dry skin
  • scaly patches on face, knees, and elbows
  • erythema – skin rashes
  • thickening of skin
  • pityriasis alba – dry, pale patches on the face
3. Actinic keratosis

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Actinic keratosis is a skin disease that has characteristic symptoms such as rough, scaly lesions all over the neck, face, hands, and legs. Caused due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, actinic keratosis may be the precursor to skin cancer (6). Symptoms associated with actinic keratosis are (7), (8):

  • Rough, scaly patches
  • Ulcers
  • Burning sensation
  • Bleeding
  • Itchy papules or nodules
4. Athlete’s Foot

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As the name suggests, athlete’s foot is a disease commonly found in people from athletic or military backgrounds. Also known as tinea pedis, this condition is caused due to fungal infections. The symptoms include (9), (10):

  • White, scaly skinbetween the toes
  • Red blisters on the foot
  • Itching and burning sensation
  • Soggy skin
    • Pain
  • Difficulty walking
5. Contact Dermatitis

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Have you ever used a detergent or skincare product, only to see your skin filled with angry rashes? If so, it may be a case of contact dermatitis. The chemicals present in the products modify the protein structure which leads to the inflammation of the skin. The clinical manifestations of this condition are (11):

  • Tenderness
  • Dry scales
  • Pus-filled blisters
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Flaky crusts over your skin
6. Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition commonly diagnosed in infants and adults aged between 30 to 40 years. While researchers aren’t completely sure of the exact cause, few factors may play a role in its development. Individuals with HIV, exposure to Malassezia fungus, and Parkinson’s disease have been linked with the risk of developing this condition. Some of the symptoms include (12):

  • Yellow scales on the face, forehead, back, and upper chest
  • White flaky scales on the scalp
  • Itchy skin
  • Dandruff

While having dry scaly skin is quite common, leaving it untreated may lead to possible health complications.

What Are The Potential Complications Of Scaly Skin?

Scales on your skin make your skin vulnerable and increase the risk of developing an infection. This may lead to the development of serious health complications. Research suggests that actinic keratosis may be a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma (7). Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation leads to a change in the molecular structure, thus increasing the chance of developing skin cancer. Studies have also shown that 20%-30% of psoriasis patients develop joint inflammation called psoriatic arthritis (2). Recognizing other symptoms along with scaly skin is necessary for timely medical intervention.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

While scaling skin rarely is a cause for concern, if you experience any of the following symptoms accompanied by scaly skin, consult a doctor immediately.

  • If the scales begin spreading to other parts of your body.
  • There is no improvement despite regular skincare.
  • You have trouble breathing
  • You develop a high fever
  • There is a sudden development of blisters
  • You feel very nauseous

A few simple tips can help prevent you from developing scaly skin patches.

How To Prevent Scaling Skin

If your scaly skin is due to dry and cold weather, you can follow these simple tips to keep your skin nice and healthy.

  • Avoid taking baths in very hot water.
  • Pat dry your skin with a clean towel to avoid infection.
  • Apply lotions or moisturizers to keep your skin healthy.
  • Avoid using products with harsh chemicals in them.

While these simple tips may help prevent scaly skin in general, there are some conditions that require proper medical treatment. The next section explores the different treatment options available for scaly spots on your skin.

Treatment For Scaling Skin

The line of treatment for scaly skin depends on the cause behind it and the severity of the symptoms. Scaly skin due to contact dermatitis can be treated by avoiding contact with the allergen which may reduce the symptoms. For serious skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, application of prescribed topical creams with retinoids and anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate the symptoms. Depending on the severity of the symptoms in athlete’s foot, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter antifungal medications to address the condition.

To Sum It Up

Scaling skin may develop due to many factors. Be it low humidity during winters or serious medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, dry scaly skin is a common symptom. Rarely does scaly skin require medical intervention. But developing other symptoms such as high fever, and nausea requires immediate medical attention. Using topical creams or over-the-counter medications can alleviate symptoms and prevent major health complications.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Does scaly skin go away?

This depends on the cause behind the scaly skin. If it is due to cold weather, applying moisturizing lotion can make it go away. If it is due to skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, applying topical creams may reduce scaly skin but it may not completely go away.

What are the crusty patches on my skin?

Crusty patches on your skin may be a sign of skin conditions such as actinic keratosis or eczema.

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