Almost everyone experiences skin that becomes scaly and starts to peel. In most cases, skin cells that die but remain attached to the skin can appear white and come off in scaly clumps. This can happen for a few reasons, some of which are temporary and others that require intensive treatment. Depending on the location, peeling and scaly skin can be embarrassing to the individual and uncomfortable, even painful.
Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the most common ways people develop peeling, scaly skin. When overexposed to the sun, the heat and intensity of the rays can essentially cook the skin, killing it. As it loses hydration, it can become scaly, often appearing lighter in tone. Eventually, it starts to peel, making way for newly-formed skin. It can take days after the sunburn for the peeling to start, and the scales of dead skin can continue to come off for days until fully removed.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disorder in which the skin sheds layers too quickly, creating multiple layers of dead skin cells you can scrape off in white scales. A common disorder, it tends to occur in people ages 15 to 35, but can happen at any age. While it is likely genetic, it comes and goes over time and is not contagious, according to Medline Plus.
Other Causes
Psoriasis is a disorder in which the skin sheds too quickly, creating multiple layers of dead skin cells you can scrape off in white scales. A common disorder, it tends to occur in people ages 15 to 35, but can happen at any age. While it is likely genetic, it comes and goes over time and is not contagious, according to Medline Plus.
Treatment
The best way to treat scaly, peeling skin is to keep it moisturized. Apply moisturizer to the peeling locations at least twice daily -- once in the morning and once at night. Drink plenty of water to keep skin well hydrated. If there is a specific cause, such as a bacterial or fungal infection, visit a doctor. Obtain a prescription to treat the cause and correct your skin problems.
Prevention
Wear plenty of sunscreen when outside, preferably one that contains moisturizer to keep your skin protected. Wash your skin routinely to help clear dead skin cells, preventing them from accumulating in patches and coming off in large swaths. Avoid interaction with things that may cause an allergic reaction, and avoid skin contact with other individuals having scaling and peeling skin, as some causes are contagious.
