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