Flaky Eczema

When eczema starts to peel, is it healing?

When eczema-prone skin starts to peel, small scaly patches expose raw skin underneath. There’s a few different reasons why your eczema might be flaking, and it can be good news or bad news. One thing to remember, regardless of whether the peeling is a good sign or a bad sign, is to avoid scratching. It’s tempting to rub that itch away! But it will harm the skin, and can often incite another round of flaking and peeling, leading to a spiral of aggravation.

Sign of Healing

In some cases, flaking and peeling is a sign that the skin is healing. It may signal the end of a flare-up and the beginning of a phase of calmer skin. Often, peeling-as-healing appears in an isolated area, and may appear reddish, but with each passing day of observation, you see it becoming less irritated. The boundaries of the flaking region might be replaced daily by fresh, smooth skin. Itching may continually decrease. Care for flaking, healing skin by applying fragrance-free, dense, powerfully moisturizing cream that leaves your skin feeling comfortable, protected and hydrated.

Infected Eczema

Prolonged itchy peeling may be a sign of an infection. Sometimes, patches of eczema can become infected, when a when virus, bacteria or fungi enter open wounds or cracked skin. Some common microbes that cause infections include Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, or the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Apart from incessant itching and flaking, an infection can include general feelings of malaise, prolonged or never-ceasing flare-ups, open sores, fever and chills, aches and pains, and fatigue. Exposure to unsanitary conditions, such as a moldy apartment, can mark the start of an infection. Consult a doctor immediately if you suspect an infection is the cause of your peeling.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)

Easing off steroidal creams may trigger extreme eczema flare-ups. According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), symptoms of topical steroid withdrawal include burning, weeping (skin oozing liquid), flaking, shedding, peeling, spreading, swelling, redness, wrinkling, thin skin, pus-filled bumps, cracking, itching, nodules, pain, insomnia, hair loss, shivering, fatigue, depression, and disability if the withdrawal persists for a longer period of time. It’s a serious issue. It’s important to find a support network if you are coming off of steroidal creams. Unfortunately, there’s no cure to these unpleasant symptoms. The journey is tough, but we’re here with you.

Exfoliative DermatitisExfoliative dermatitis, sometimes called erythroderma, involves redness and peeling of the skin over at least 90 percent of the skin on the surface of your body. It happens as a reactive condition to an underlying health condition or trigger. Chances of having exfoliative dermatitis are higher if one already suffers from psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or pityriasis rubra pilaris. The onset of an immune condition is often exfoliative dermatitis. If you suspect that this condition is at play, see a dermatologist.

When you’re dealing with peeling skin, moisturizers that are gentle, free of fragrances, devoid of irritating chemicals, free of fragrance masking agents, and filled with enriching nutrients are important.

Blanc | Fragrance Free Dewy Body Lotion

Lightweight but high performing thanks to Pro-Vitamin B5. This fragrance-free formula contains Superfats like Shea Butter and Avocado Oil, easing the dryness and roughness of flaking, peeling skin.

Sources

Ballard, A. (2022, August 24). Topical steroid withdrawal: Everything you need to know. National Eczema Association. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from https://nationaleczema.org/blog/tsw-need-to-know/

Brannon, H. L. (2022, July 17). Eczema Stages: Acute, Subacute, and Chronic. Verywell Health. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/eczema-stages-1069256

Cochran, R., & De Pietro, M. (n.d.). Exfoliative Dermatitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatments. Healthline. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/exfoliative-dermatitis#symptoms

Sullivan, D., & Bard, S. (n.d.). Infected Eczema: Pictures, Treatment, Removal, and More. Healthline. Retrieved October 7, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/infected-eczema