Peeling skin
is 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 sunburn or infection.
However, peeling skin 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.
Because a
number of conditions — varying significantly in severity — can cause peeling
skin, it's important to get a prompt diagnosis.
Your skin is
exposed constantly to environmental elements, such as sun, wind, heat, dryness
or excessive humidity, which can irritate and damage it. Repeated irritation
can lead to skin peeling.
Less frequently,
skin peeling — often accompanied by itching — results from a disease or
condition, which may start someplace other than your skin. Sometimes, reaction
to a medication can cause skin peeling. Conditions that may cause skin peeling
include:
- Allergic reactions. You
can develop a rash on your skin and eventually peel from repeated contact
with something to which you're allergic, such as certain fabrics, latex,
detergents or cosmetics. Less commonly, a food to which you're allergic
may lead to skin peeling.
- Infections. Some types of
staph and other infections plus fungal infections, including ringworm,
athlete's foot and jock itch, can cause the skin to peel.
- Immune system disorders. Certain
conditions — such as a group of rare skin disorders (pemphigus) and toxic
shock syndrome — can cause skin to peel.
- Certain types of cancer. Some
types of cancer, such as adult non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, can cause a skin
rash that can eventually lead to peeling skin. Some cancer treatments also
can affect the skin in ways that lead to peeling.
Specific
diseases and conditions that can cause peeling skin include:
- Athlete's foot
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Contact dermatitis
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
- Dry skin
- Jock itch
- Kawasaki disease
- Pemphigus
- Psoriasis
- Ringworm (body)
- Ringworm (scalp)
- Scarlet fever
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Side effect of medications
- Staph infections
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Sunburn: Soothing solutions
- Toxic shock syndrome
You can try
out these simple and easy to follow remedies to cure skin peeling.
1. Olive
Oil
Apart from
various other benefits of olive oil, it has been widely used for treating
peeling skin. Apply olive oil directly on the affected skin. This will provide
you instant relief.
2.
Homemade Paste
Mix together
olive oil, rose water, lemon juice, and egg yolk to prepare a fine paste and
apply it on the affected area.
3. Grape
Seed Oil
This oil is
easily available in the market and very effectively heals the peeling skin.
4.
Cucumber
Take a
cucumber and peel off its upper layer. Crush it to form a paste and apply it on
the face or any other part of the body. Leave it on for about 15 minutes.
Subsequently, wash it off with warm water. Repeat the same process daily.
5.
Sandalwood, Turmeric, Honey and Olive Oil
Mix together
1 teaspoon each of sandalwood powder, turmeric powder, and honey. Now, add
olive oil to make a thin paste. Mix well and apply it on the peeled skin. After
30 minutes, wash and dry it off. Alternatively, you can make use of sandalwood
soap.
6. Papaya
Papaya is
rich in antioxidants that are useful in healing the problems related to skin.
Take a papaya and mash it completely. Apply the mashed papaya onto the skin. If
you are applying it on the foot, then cover the area after putting the mashed
papaya using a cotton cloth. It removes dead cells and exfoliates the dry skin.
7. Curd
This
nourishing food is very helpful in getting rid of peeling skin. It kills
unwanted microbes. It basically deep moisturizes the skin and gives you glowing
complexion.
8. Sesame
Oil
Massage the
affected area with the sesame oil to get quick relief. It works as a
moisturizer on the skin and assists rebuilding of healthy cells.
9. Honey
The healing
and medical properties of honey cure peeling skin. Apply honey on the affected
skin area and rub for five minutes. Allow it to stand for next 5 to 10 minutes,
and then wash it off.
10. Apple
Eat an apple
on daily basis. Even the apple paste works wonders when applied on the skin.
Grate an apple and apply it directly onto the skin. It softens the skin and
reduces peeling.
11.
Castor Oil
This oil has
been used widely to slough off skin problems. Apply and rub castor oil on the
peeled skin for a couple of minutes. It locks moisture and repairs the skin
deeply.
12. Lemon
Juice
Lemon is
enormously beneficial for the skin. Squeeze out some lemons and mix the juice
with sugar. Use this lemon juice – sugar solution as a scrub. Or else, rub your
skin directly with lemon.
13.
Baking Soda
Baking soda
keeps skin infections at bay and prevents redness and irritation caused by the
peeling skin. Put two cups of baking soda in bath tub containing warm water.
Soak your body in it for 15-20 minutes.
14.
Banana
Take a ripe
banana and mash it. Add yogurt to make a cream. Apply this prepared cream on
the peeled skin area. After some time, wash it off.
15.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
is used for numerous purposes. If you have a dry skin, massage your face as
well as other body parts with coconut oil. It will reduce peeling of the dry and
patchy skin.
16.
Almond Oil
Both almond
oil and its leaves are of great use, when it comes to peeled skin. For quick
relief, apply almond oil onto the infected area. You may also make a paste of
almond leaves and apply it on the affected skin.
17.
Vinegar
Apply
vinegar to the cracked and peeled area. Leave it overnight. Next morning, wash
it off. If you are applying it on your hands and legs, then make use of gloves
or socks, respectively, while sleeping. Alternatively, you may use apple cider
vinegar.
18. Milk
Milk has
certain properties that peel off the dead, dry skin. Immerse a washcloth in
milk. Place and press the cloth over the peeled skin. Take off the cloth after
10 minutes and, subsequently, rinse off the area.
19.
Vitamin E Capsule
Break a
vitamin E capsule and use the liquid on the affected part. Vitamin E is
considered important for healthy skin.
- Alternatively, apply a lotion that has
vitamin E as a primary ingredient.
- Another option is to massage vitamin E
oil on your skin to prevent flaking and dryness.
20.
Grapes
Grapes have
AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) which sloughs off the dead skin cells. Rather than
purchasing AHA products, you may apply a grape mask. Take any variety of grapes
and mash them in the juicer. Now, apply these mashed-up grapes as a face mask.
After 15 to 30 minutes, wash off the mixture.
21.
Pineapple
Like grapes,
pineapples also contain AHA. But don’t make use of canned pineapple that has
added water and other additives. Take a fresh pineapple and peel off its upper
layer. Cut it into small pieces and squeeze out the juice. Massage it onto the
affected area. Allow the liquid to dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off.
22.
Gelatin Peels
Mix together
half cup of freshly squeezed fruit juice and one packet of unflavored gelatin.
If you have oily skin, then try grapefruit or lemon; otherwise, use raspberry
or peach for normal to dry skin. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for
about 30 minutes, and take it out as soon as it solidifies. Spread a thin layer
on the affected skin area and leave it to dry. You may make use of a flat, wide
brush to spread it across the skin. When it becomes dry, peel off and wash your
face with cool water.
23. Oats
Yet another
kitchen product that can be used to cure peeling skin is oats. It’s the best
remedy for peeled fingertips. Take a large bowl and fill it with warm water.
Now, add a handful of powdered oats in the bowl. Immerse your fingers in the
bowl for 10 to 15 minutes. Bathe your hands using clean water and then pat dry
softly with a cotton towel. Afterwards, apply a gentle moisturizer. This
easy-to-use home remedy efficiently removes the dead skin cells, making your
fingers smooth and soft. For quick and better results, use this remedy every
day before going to bed.
REMEMBER
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
- Make use of a sunscreen with SPF
level, whenever you go out in the sun.
- Utilize mild soap for bathing.
- Cleanse your face thoroughly before
using any home remedy.
Don’ts
- Avoid use of hot water, as it might
irritate your peeling skin further.
- Avoid using peeling chemicals, if you
are pregnant.
- Don’t perform a chemical peel
treatment on your own.
- Don’t overexpose yourself to the harsh
environments, sun, or pollutants.
- Don’t pull your peeling skin.
- Avoid using products that contain
retinol or glycolic acid.
- Refrain from exfoliating the peeled
skin.
If you have
additional symptoms such as constant fatigue, joint and muscle pain, fever,
general ill health and weight loss, then you must contact a doctor immediately.