Scales

Definition

Scales are a visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers. These layers are called the stratum corneum.

Alternative Names

Skin flaking; Scaly skin; Papulosquamous disorders; Ichthyosis

Causes

Scales may be caused by dry skin, certain inflammatory skin conditions, or infections.

Examples of disorders that can cause scales include:

Home Care

If your health care provider diagnoses you with dry skin, you'll likely be recommended the following self-care measures:

If your provider diagnoses you with a skin disorder, such as an inflammatory or fungal disease, follow instructions on home care. This may include using a medicine on your skin. You may also need to take a medicine by mouth.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if your skin symptoms continue and self-care measures aren't helping.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will perform a physical exam to look closely at your skin. You may be asked questions such as when the scaling began, what other symptoms you have, and any self-care you've done at home.

You may need blood tests to check for other conditions.

Treatment depends on the cause of your skin problem. You may need to apply medicine to the skin, or take medicine by mouth.

References

Dinulos JGH. Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.

Marks JG, Miller JJ. Scaling papules, plaques, and patches. In: Marks JG, Miller JJ, eds. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 9.



Review Date: 6/7/2023
Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.