There are several possible causes of white flaky skin, including fungal infections, eczema, and psoriasis. Sun exposure, vitiligo, and dehydration can also lead to the development of skin that appears white and flaky. If these patches of skin appear on the scalp, dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis may be to blame. A doctor should be consulted in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan when skin problems develop. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders and may be the most appropriate choice in cases such as these.
Fungal infections are frequently responsible for the appearance of white flaky skin. Athlete's foot causes the skin on one or both feet, particularly the area between the toes, to become dry and flaky. Itching, redness, and burning may also develop as a result of this infection. Ringworm can develop anywhere on the skin and leads to one or more lesions that look like a ring. Jock itch is characterized by patches of white, flaky skin in the groin areas. Over-the-counter medications are available to treat all of these contagious conditions, and care should be taken to avoid infecting others.
Eczema and psoriasis are potential causes for white flaky skin. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema is characterized by patches of thick, scaly, itchy skin. A variety of factors may be responsible for the development of eczema, including food allergies, environmental irritants, or a genetic predisposition. Psoriasis tends to cause painful skin lesions that become dry and scaly. This skin disorder is thought to be caused by improper immune responses within the body.
Sun exposure may lead to small patches of white flaky skin, while sunburn may cause more widespread skin damage and result in large areas of flaking or peeling skin. Vitiligo, also referred to as leucoderma, is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the development of one or more patches of pale white skin that is often dry or flaky. Dehydration can cause the skin to become dry and is treated by consuming extra fluids.
White flaky skin that appears on the scalp is often caused by dandruff, which is basically just dry skin that affects the scalp. Over-the-counter shampoos are normally effective at treating dandruff, although prescription shampoos may be needed on occasion. Seborrheic dermatitis, called cradle cap in infants, causes dandruff, itching, and inflammation of the scalp and may be treated with antifungal medications or topical steroids.