Peeling skin

Date Updated: 06/21/2022

Definition

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.

Causes

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.

Skin peeling can also result from a disease or condition, which may start someplace other than your skin. This type of skin peeling is often accompanied by itching. Conditions that may cause skin peeling include:

Allergic reactions
Infections, including some types of staph and fungal infections
Immune system disorders
Cancer and cancer treatment
Genetic disease, including a rare skin disorder called acral peeling skin syndrome that causes painless peeling of the top layer of skin

Specific diseases and conditions that can cause peeling skin include:

Athlete's foot

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Contact dermatitis

Dry skin

Jock itch

Kawasaki disease

Medication side effects

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Pemphigus

Psoriasis

Ringworm (body)

Ringworm (scalp)

Seborrheic dermatitis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Sunburn

Toxic shock syndrome

Athlete's foot
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Contact dermatitis
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Dry skin
Hyperhidrosis
Jock itch
Kawasaki disease
Medication side effects
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Pemphigus
Psoriasis
Ringworm (body)
Ringworm (scalp)
Scarlet fever
Seborrheic dermatitis
Staph infections
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Sunburn
Toxic shock syndrome

When to see a doctor

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.