Ever Wonder ‘Why Is My Skin Peeling?’ It’s Probably From 1 of These Common Conditions

It’s common to see some flakiness or dry patches after a sunburn or allergic reaction. But if that flakiness is more pronounced or slower to heal, you may wonder why is my skin peeling? According to Hannah Kopelman, DO, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, occasional bouts of peeling skin are perfectly normal. That said, there are a variety of reasons why you might be seeing more flakes than usual. Here, we’ll get to bottom of why your skin is peeling and how you can treat (and prevent!) it.

What is peeling skin?

“Peeling skin occurs when the outer layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, sheds or flakes off,” explains Dr. Kopelman. Skin is the largest organ in the body. And according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you shed a whopping 30,000 skin cells a minute. Most of the time you don’t see this occurring, though.

When your skin is peeling, Dr. Kopelman says it can look flaky, scaly or dry. You’ll often notice pieces of it peeling off in patches. Depending on the severity of the peeling, the affected area can sometimes be red, irritated or itchy.

Why is my skin peeling? 4 common reasons

No matter what your skincare routine is, it’s not possible to never have peeling skin. In fact, there are several reasons skin could peel, including weather and environmental factors, new products, allergic reactions and pre-existing skin conditions. Here, some of the most common culprits behind peeling skin:

1. Sunburn

If you come home from the beach or pool looking like a tomato (ouch!), you can expect skin peeling to follow a few days later. This is your body’s way of repairing the damaged skin. “When the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet [UV] rays, the damaged skin cells die and eventually peel off as part of the healing process,” explains Dr. Kopelman.

2. Eczema

Dr. Kopelman says “eczema is characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed patches of skin.” It’s also known as atopic dermatitis, and many people develop it because of genes or triggering environmental factors, notes the National Eczema Association. It can happen anywhere on the body, but it’s most common on you hands, feet, arms and the backs of your knees. People with eczema can experience flare-ups, where symptoms like itchy, peeling skin noticeably worsen.

3. Psoriasis

Another condition that results in skin peeling is psoriasis. It’s “a chronic autoimmune condition causing the rapid buildup of skin cells,” explains Dr. Kopelman. “This leads to scaling on the skin’s surface, characterized by red, thickened plaques often covered with silvery scales.”

The plaques are typically found on the elbows and knees, scalp and lower back, although they can appear anywhere on your body. “Psoriasis is primarily caused by a combination of genetic and immune system factors,” adds Dr. Kopelman.

4. Fungal infections

“I also see cases of peeling due to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot or ringworm,” says Dr. Kopelman. “This typically presents with redness, itching and a ring-shaped rash.” Fungal infections can range from mild to severe, and Dr. Kopelman notes they’re often caused by “dermatophytes, yeasts and molds.”

How to treat peeling skin

The right solution will vary for each person, but generally, “treating peeling skin involves addressing the underlying cause and soothing the affected areas,” says Dr. Kopelman.

For sunburn: “I always recommend using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to hydrate the skin and prevent further dryness,” Dr. Kopelman says. She also suggests avoiding harsh soaps, perfumes or water that’s too hot, as it will only increase the peeling. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you know you’ll be out in the sun for a long time.

For eczema and psoriasis: “I often prescribe topical corticosteroids or other treatments to manage the symptoms effectively,” Dr. Kopelman adds.

For fungal infections: “[This] typically involves using topical antifungal creams, lotions or ointments containing agents like clotrimazole or terbinafine,” she explains.

When to see a doctor about peeling skin

It’s important to seek medical help if your peeling skin doesn’t improve following these treatments. “If a patient experiences severe pain, swelling or signs of infection like pus or fever, I advise them to consult a doctor immediately,” says Kopelman. “Additionally, if the peeling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as blisters, severe itching or a widespread rash, it’s essential to get a professional evaluation.”

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For more ways to soothe common skin bothers:

Softer, Smoother Skin With a Beer Bath? A Dermatologist Unpacks the Boozy Wellness Trend

Bothered by Red, Itchy Skin on Hot Days? Doctors Share How To Get Rid of a Heat Rash Quickly

Doctors Say These Kitchen Staples Speed Healing of a Painful Skin Ulcer

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.