Scales are small pieces of dead skin that spontaneously break away from the epidermis.

The skin cells are constantly renewing themselves. Produced at the base of the epidermis, they migrate in three to four weeks to the surface, where they die and form the stratum corneum, before detaching spontaneously to make room for others.

Usually, you don’t notice these dead cells. But, when the skin is attacked or its renewal cycle is disrupted, larger scales can form, coming off in small visible shreds or large dandruff.

If a medical consultation is not necessary for a sunburn, it is advisable to make an appointment in case of severe peeling, long-lasting peeling or peeling whose cause is not well identified. This not only makes it possible to provide a solution to an aesthetic problem, which can be a source of complexes, but also to verify the absence of underlying diseases. The condition is usually mild, but it is best to check it out if in doubt.

It can be linked to many factors:

• a sunburn ;
• the use without gloves of a toxic or irritant product; 
• dry and / or sensitive skin, reacting to cold, stress, fatigue or pollution;
• nutritional deficiency (especially vitamin A);
• a fungus or yeast;
• an allergy ;
• a psoriasis;
• a drug (lithium, antimalarial, beta blocker, etc.);
• radiation therapy or chemotherapy;
• an infectious disease like measles or scarlet fever ;
• a genetic disease such as ichthyosis;
• more rarely, skin cancer.

Athlete’s foot

Le Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, which usually affects the skin between the toes. The perspiration of the feet creates a humid and warm environment, favorable to the proliferation of fungi of the family of Trichophytons. Walking barefoot on the wet floor of a swimming pool or shared locker room also promotes this type of yeast infection. Redness then appears, then the skin dries and peels.

Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious inflammation of the skin, which is accompanied by redness, fine blisters, scales and itching. It can appear at an early age and manifests itself in flare-ups. It is found in two forms:

• atopic dermatitis : certain skins, called atopic, tend to have allergic reactions, without being able to identify the allergens in question. Other signs of allergies (asthma, etc.) are often associated with it;
• in contact dermatitis : it is a reaction to direct contact of the skin with an allergenic substance (a metal, a dye, etc.). Eczema appears a few days after this contact.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterized by the formation of red patches that peel, evolve in flare-ups and can last for several years. It is called “seborrheic” because it mainly affects the fatty parts of the skin, on the face, trunk, genital areas, hairy areas or the scalp. Often triggered by stress, fatigue or the onset of winter, it can be associated with itching.

A yeast, naturally present on the skin and called Malassezia furfur, would be involved: some people would react inappropriately to its presence.

Psoriasis

Le Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Often linked to a family background, it manifests itself by red and dry, scaly patches, especially in areas of friction – elbows, forearms, knees, lower back – but also on the scalp and nails. More rarely, the face and other surfaces of the body can be affected. Joint pain is sometimes felt.

In question: an immune disorder, activated by stress, infections or alcohol. Inflammation of the epidermis leads its cells to renew themselves in 3 to 6 days, instead of 21 to 30 days. This results in hyperkeratosis, that is to say, an increase in the thickness of the stratum corneum, and scales that come off it.

What about dandruff on the scalp?

Dandruff is dander like any other. Most often, they result from seborrheic dermatitis, linked to yeast Malassezia furfur. They are then oily and yellowish, while the scalp may be irritated and itchy.

If the scales are dry and silvery white, they adhere to the scalp and form large patches, which can go as far as constituting a “helmet”, it is rather a psoriasis. In this case, the itching and redness is significant.

Treatment depends on the cause. This may be :

• an emollient or moisturizing cream, in case of dry skin;
• vitamins, in case of deficiency;
• antihistamines, in case of allergy;
• an antifungal treatment, in the event of infection by a fungus or a yeast;
• and / or a treating shampoo which is both anti-dandruff and soothing at the same time, to be used as a treatment.

Dermatologists also provide useful hygiene advice to prevent new outbreaks:

• use of mild soaps and shampoos;
• avoidance of products containing irritating substances (sulphates, isothiazolinone);
• sparing use of the hair dryer;
• etc.

The visible manifestations are enough for the doctor to make his diagnosis.

It is important to take care of severe peeling, especially if it is accompanied by itching. Scratching can cause lesions, which can become infected or leave scars. Above all, if this desquamation is a source of complex, it can cause a withdrawal into oneself and alter the quality of life.