Scaly

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Scaly refers to a skin condition characterized by the presence of scales or shedding of the outer layer of skin. It is often associated with various dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and ichthyosis.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Scaly skin can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

  • Dry skin: This is the most common cause of scaly skin. It can be due to environmental factors such as low humidity and cold weather, or it can be a symptom of underlying health conditions like hypothyroidism or kidney disease.
  • Skin disorders: Certain skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, and ichthyosis can cause the skin to become scaly.
  • Infections: Some infections, particularly fungal infections, can cause scaly skin.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptom of scaly skin is the presence of scales or flakes on the skin. Other symptoms can include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for scaly skin depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

  • Moisturizers: These can help to hydrate the skin and reduce scaling.
  • Topical steroids: These can help to reduce inflammation and itching.
  • Antifungal medications: These can be used to treat fungal infections that cause scaly skin.
  • Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to certain types of light to reduce scaling and inflammation.

See also[edit | edit source]

Scaly Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD