The cause of scaly skin is not just psoriasis

The skin produces about 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells every day. Dead skin cells are then removed and replaced with new skin cells.

In healthy skin, the process of replacing dead skin cells should not be felt or seen. Unfortunately, in some people, this process often appears as peeling skin. Some people may also have some health problems that also cause scaly skin problems.

Medical conditions cause flaking skin

Some skin conditions may be more sensitive to flaky skin. What are these conditions?

1. Atopic dermatitis

Skin peeling from this disease usually appears on the neck, chest, skin folds, ankles and wrists. The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known with certainty. The symptoms may be due to allergic reactions or skin irritation caused by certain substances, such as perfume, soap or clothing.

2. Psoriasis

Psoriasis, especially plaque psoriasis, will cause symptoms in the form of reddish areas of the skin with scaly skin. Usually, this condition occurs in the hands and feet, elbows and knees and scalp.

This skin condition is caused by heredity and disorders of the immune system. Therefore, there is no special treatment that can cure it. Handling by a doctor is usually only intended to reduce the symptoms and complaints experienced by patients.

3. Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is a skin disease caused by hereditary factors that often occur in childhood. This disease causes a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin and causes the appearance of scaly, very dry and thick skin.

The number of people with this disease is quite large and is generally not serious. As a result, patients are generally not disturbed as long as their skin is well moisturized.

Treatment and prevention of scaly and dry skin

As a rule, flaky skin appears because the outermost layer of skin is disturbed. As a result, oily skin layers are less effective at storing water and retaining moisture. This is what appears as dry and scaly skin.

The inability of the skin to retain moisture is usually caused by lack of fluid intake, the aging process, and the skin is often exposed to sunlight or chemicals.

The condition of dry skin or scaly skin that is not serious can usually be overcome by the following steps:
 
1. Choose the right bath soap

People with flaky skin should choose mild chemical soap. Remember to also contain moisturizing ingredients so as not to cause skin irritation, while helping to cover the skin with substances that can maintain moisture.

For example, you can choose soap that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. In addition, reduce the habit of bathing with hot water because it can dry your skin.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation or rubbing can help lift dead skin cells that accumulate and cause the appearance of the skin to peel. Just like soap, choose an exfoliating product with a mild chemical content. You should not rub your skin too hard because this activity can actually cause irritation.

In addition to removing dead skin cells, the exfoliation process can also help increase blood flow. With this, skin texture will look smoother and brighter.

3. Use a moisturizer

Moisturizers will help the outer layer of skin maintain fluid, thereby preventing dry skin. Choose a moisturizing cream or lotion that contains alpha hydroxylic acid and beta hydroxy acid which can help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells and prevent the appearance of flaky skin.

You can also choose a moisturizer from several ingredients natural. For example, shea butter, olive oil or avocado oil as a moisturizer for the skin.

If these steps are less effective in treating scaly skin, there is a possibility that the condition will affect the condition of your skin. Consult with your doctor if dry and scaly skin problems start to make you very embarrassed.

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