Peeling skin is unintended damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis).
Peeling skin may occur because of direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. It may also be a sign of an immune system disorder or other disease.
Rash, itching, dryness and other irritating skin problems may accompany peeling skin.
Causes
Your skin is regularly exposed to environmental elements that can irritate and damage it. These include sun, wind, heat, dryness and excessive humidity. Repeated irritation can lead to skin peeling.
Conditions that may cause skin peeling include:
- Allergic reactions
- Infections
- Immune system disorders
- Genetic diseases
- Athlete's foot
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Contact dermatitis
- Dry skin
- Kawasaki disease
- Hyperhidrosis
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Pemphigus
- Psoriasis
- Ringworm
- Scarlet fever
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Staph infections
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Sunburn
- Toxic shock syndrome
When to see a doctor
Peeling skin caused by dry skin or mild sunburn is likely to improve with over-the-counter lotions and usually doesn't require medical care.
If you have any doubt about the cause of peeling skin or if the condition is severe, call your doctor before trying over-the-counter lotions or home remedies.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/peeling-skin/basics/definition/sym-20050672
