A lot of people complain of dry skin.

But sometimes, it can get worse. Your skin gets so extremely dry that you begin to notice scale-like flakes falling off your skin.

It feels more like your skin is peeling, but not the usual skin. Instead, scales fall off.

If you ever experienced that, then you have scaly skin and you need to spend the next few minutes reading this article.

Today, I will be explaining why you have scaly skin and how you can treat it.

Let’s start from the beginning…

What is scaly skin?

Like I said earlier, scaly skin is usually triggered by dry skin and it occurs anywhere on your body. But it is usually common around the lower leg, arms and thighs.

Your skin can become scaly as a result of irritation, skin inflammation and itching which increases your skin cell’s turn over rate and, in the end, leads to the formation of scales on your skin.

Scaly skin could be triggered by environmental conditions like extreme cold or dry weather or natural processes like aging.

Symptoms of scaly skin

The symptoms of scaly skin differ based on the underlying skin disease causing it. Yes, your skin can become scaly due to certain skin conditions. Don’t worry, I will explain that in a bit.

However, the general symptoms of scaly skin include:

• Itching
• Rash
• Swelling
• Cracks on the skin
• Redness of the skin
• Skin becomes warm to the touch

Why do you have scaly skin?

This is where we get down to the main gist for the day.

There are several causes of scaly skin. Here are some of them:

1. Genetics

Scaly skin could be as a result of an inherited condition like Ichthyosis. This skin condition makes your skin dry, rough, thickened and scaly.

So, it could be as a result of your genes.

2. Natural conditions

This is just as I mentioned earlier.

Your skin can get scaly as a result of exposure to harsh environmental conditions like extremely dry or cold weather.

It can also be caused by aging.

3. Lifestyle

Things you do on a daily basis can trigger scaly skin. Here are some habits that can cause scaly skin:

• Wearing fabrics that irritate your skin
• Taking your bath many times a day. This makes your skin extremely dry.
• Excessive use of soap while bathing
• Using soaps or personal care products that have ingredients that can make your skin dry.
• Drinking very little fluid. Your body needs water to stay hydrated.
• Taking your bathe without moisturizing

All these make your already dry skin even drier which can lead to scaling.

4. Certain skin conditions

You remember I said earlier that skin conditions can also make your skin scaly.

This is why it is important that you know what exactly is causing scaly skin so you know how to treat it. Sometimes, scaly skin can be as a result of any of these skin conditions:

1. Athletes foot
2. Ringworm
3. Psoriasis
4. Actinic keratosis
5. Contact dermatitis
6. Ichthyosis vulgaris
7. Eczema
8. Hypoparathyroidism
9. Drug allergy
10. Toxic shock syndrome
11. Stasis dermatitis
12. Kawasaki disease
13. Pityriasis rosea
14. Dermatomyositis
15. Luchen Planus

These skin conditions can make your skin scaly. To know exactly what is wrong with you, you need to consult with your doctor to know the next step to take.

How to diagnose what exactly is causing your skin to be scaly?

If you notice your skin scaling, you can simply apply moisturizer and make sure your skin is well moisturized every day.

If we are being honest, it is common for your skin to get scaly during and cold seasons. But if after doing this, your skin does not improve, or it gets worse, you have to go see your doctor.

Your doctor will ask a series of questions about your medical history, the symptoms you have been experiencing and when the symptoms first appeared.

He/she will also put into consideration the appearance of your skin and your history of exposure to allergenic and irritating substances.

This will help your doctor figure out what exactly is causing your skin to be scaly and what treatment is best for it.

How to treat scaly skin

Treatment for scaly skin differs in individuals. That is because different factors cause scaly skin in different people.

Treatment is usually dependent on how severe the symptoms are and what caused it.

If it is caused by an allergic reaction or irritant, staying away from the allergen (what caused it) will do the trick.

Most of the time, the skin conditions that cause scaly skin can be treated with cream and lotion especially ones with high oil content. The idea is to make sure that your skin is not dry.

Oral medications are only prescribed when the underlying issue is more than skin deep. Depending on the result of your diagnosis, your doctor might refer you to a dermatologist for specialized treatment.

In conclusion,

Getting scaly skin is not the end of the world.

As long as you the right cream or lotion and you stay away from whatever might be triggering it, then you are good to go. If things do not get better, see a doctor ASAP.

Now over to you.

What other remedies can be used for scaly skin? Leave me a message and I will answer as soon as I can.