Top 7 Causes And Ways To Treat Scaly Skin

Moisturizers have become the crucial lifeline of our skin, especially for people with scaly skin. The hydrating moisturizers which hydrate your skin without leaving any oily, greasy layer on the skin are considered as the best face moisturizer.

For people with dry scaly skin disorders, such moisturizers are boon. Scaly skin can be very irritating and problematic. It might be due to extreme weather conditions, changing weather or unhealthy skincare. But, it can also be the result of many chronic medical conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. 

Scaly skin is a problem of flaky or scaly skin patches of skin cells that occurs occasionally or all day long. 

Let's take a look what are the possible causes of scaly skin and how to take care of it:

• Localized vs. generalized scaly skin
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Seborrheic dermatitis
  
• Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)
  
• Diaper dermatitis
  
• Ichthyosis
  
• Actinic Keratosis
  
• FAQs

Localized vs. generalized scaly skin

Localized scaly skin

Localized scaly skin diseases pertaining to a restricted area or one body part for instance hands, legs or feet. For example Dermatophyte infections (Tinea corporis, Tinea pedis, Tinea faciei and Ținea cruris), seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and ichthyosis.

These problems can cause rough and bumpy skin.

Generalized scaly skin

It involves scaly skin problems that are widespread over many body parts. Basically, there are three types of generalized scaly rash skin conditions: Pityriasis rosea, lichenoid drug eruption or guttate psoriasis.

Many of these problems can lead to scaly dry skin patches. If your problem is not severe then you can try home remedies and skincare tips to avoid this complication. But, If the problem is severe then you should contact a good dermatologist. 

To know these problems, let's take a look on major scaly skin problems in detail:

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the skin problem in which old skin cells are unable to fall off and new skin cells produce too rapidly. This leads to pile up dead skin cells. Red, scaly, itchy patches are the signs of psoriasis. This problem is the result of a faulty immune system, where the body's own immunity cells start attacking healthy cells.

These can be on soles of your feet, scalp, palms, elbows, lower back or knees. 

Related Article: How to remove dead skin from face?

How to treat psoriasis?

Doctors can prescribe you over-the- counter (OTC) treatments with active ingredients like coal tar and hydrocortisone. This will help you to lessen the itch, inflammation and flakiness. Other than this you are advised to stick to a good hydrating moisturizer to get relief from dryness.

You should go for a good moisturizer. Read '5 Things To Consider Before Choosing Moisturizer For Dry Skin.' to find out the best one.

Other than this, you should also take care of what kind of makeup, skincare routine and foods you are having. This can also affect your skin moisture.

Take a look at  'How to avoid dry skin?' Follow all these healthy tips and don't hassle to contact a good dermatologist near you if the condition is chronic.

Seborrheic dermatitis

It is one of the common skin problems. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin problem, symptoms including the white yellowish crusty scales on the skin. Dandruff is one of the major types of this scaly problem.

One of the major causes of seborrheic dermatitis is yeast. The scaly skin treatment of this problem involves many prescribed and OTC medications. 

Also, if your major concern is dandruff, then you should start using a good anti-dandruff shampoo along with some good anti-dandruff home remedies.

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema or atopic eczema is a scaly skin problem which causes scaly skin patches with lots of itchiness. To provide relief from this scaly skin problem, dermatologists plan a treatment, which generally involves proper skin care, trigger management and medications or light therapy.

A skin care plan for eczema involves bathing routine, application of regular good moisturizer and being gentle with skin and using gentle skin care products. Follow this along with proper treatment to get rid of this problem.

Also take a look upon these amazing helpful tips to moisturize the skin.

Diaper dermatitis

Diaper dermatitis is an inflammatory skin problem of diaper areas. It is generally caused by skin irritation. However, it can also be due to seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. If your baby is suffering from scaling, erosions, erythema or papules around affected areas like buttocks, scrotum, thighs or suprapubic area, contact the doctor.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis vulgaris is a group of scaly skin diseases, characterized by thick, dry and scaly skin patches. These scaly patches also resemble fish scales.

To get rid of this problem, apply ultra hydrating moisturizer two times a day. If you are not aware of these ultra hydrating products, you can read this little brief about these 'what is ultra-hydrating moisturizer?'

However, if you fail to get rid of this problem, then it might be severe. You should immediately contact your dermatologists.

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis is a precancerous rough, scaly patches skin problem, which is caused by indoor tanning or extreme sun exposure. Dermatologists can recommend certain treatments depending upon your condition.

You can reduces the chances of getting this deadly scaly skin problem by taking care of these following things:

• Apply broad spectrum sunscreen everyday. A good sunscreen can protect you from all the harmful rays of sun and air pollution. Follow these 5 easy steps to find good sunscreen and Don't forget to read 'How to use sunscreen?'. Because application of sunscreen in the proper way is very important to keep your skin protected.
  
• Don't go for tanning beds as these are very harmful for your skin, click here to know why?
  
• Protect yourself from suntan and if suffering from sun tan, then must go for these useful tips to remove suntan.
  
• Always cover your exposed skin areas with a cloth while going under the sun.
  
• Seek medical advice in case of an emergency. Don't skip your appointments.

These are some of the intense scaly skin problems that you need to be aware of and take care properly. Don't ignore your dry skin. Take care of your dry skin with this dry skin solution and take care of these overnight dry skin care practices to keep skin moisturizer all day long.

FAQs

1. What causes dry scaly skin?

Most of the time, hot-cold dry weather, low air moisture, and using hot water are some of the causes that can lead to dry scaly skin. But it can also be due to some chronic diseases like seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

2. How to get rid of scaly skin?

Use hydrating moisturizer, gentle face wash and good night skincare routine to get rid of scaly skin.

3. What are small scaly patches on skin?

These scaly patches on skin can be actinic keratosis or solar keratosis. To get protection from this, always apply sunscreen. Go for good SPF sunscreen.