Peeling skin is a sign that your skin is healing from some type of damage. The peeling or flaking process is your skin’s way of recovering or healing from some type of damage. The damage may be from environmental elements, skin conditions, allergies, infections, or certain diseases and treatments. Some common causes of skin peeling include:
- Sunburns
- Allergies
- Skin diseases
- Treatments for cancer, acne, and aging
- Direct damage to the skin, such as from burns or chemical exposure
- Environmental factors such as frequent handwashing or exposure to chemicals
- Underlying health conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and exfoliative keratolysis
Its important to see a healthcare provider if you have peeling skin, as it can be a sign of an underlying condition or disease. A dermatologist can determine the cause and suggest an appropriate treatment. Picking at peeling skin can lead to infection, so its important to avoid doing so.