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.
Because a number of conditions — some very severe — can cause peeling skin, it's important to get a prompt diagnosis.
Your skin is regularly exposed to environmental elements that can irritate and damage it. These include sun, wind, heat, dryness and high humidity. Repeated irritation can lead to skin peeling. In babies born past their due date, it's not unusual for them to experience some painless skin peeling.
Peeling skin caused by dry skin or mild sunburn is likely to improve with nonprescription lotions and doesn't require medical care. Call your health care provider if you have any doubt about the cause of peeling skin or if the condition is severe.
Show References
- Acral peeling skin syndrome. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/acral-peeling-skin-syndrome/. Accessed April 5, 2022.
- Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/dermatitis/erythroderma. Accessed April 5, 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Tinea Pedis. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Atopic dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Contact dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Drug eruption. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Xerosis (dry skin). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Superficial fungal infection. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Kawasaki disease (child). Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Neonatal desquamation (child). Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Pemphigus. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
- AskMayoExpert. Tinea capitis. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Seborrheic dermatitis. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/gram-positive-cocci/toxic-shock-syndrome-tss?query=toxic%20shock%20syndrome#. Accessed April 5, 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Sunburn. Mayo Clinic; 2022.
- AskMayoExpert. Non-IgE-mediated drug sensitivity. Mayo Clinic; 2021.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/peeling-skin/basics/definition/sym-20050672