
Peeling skin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, which causes continuous peeling of skin. Find more information on this unusual disorder in this article…
Peeling skin syndrome (PSS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by continuous peeling of the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin. PSS is accompanied by symptoms like reddening and itching of the skin. The disease is inherited and can affect the person in the childhood or in adulthood. PSS is a grave disorder, because it causes excessive and continuous peeling of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis). In fact, this syndrome is one of the causes of peeling skin.
There are many other terms associated with the disease. The disease is also known by names like idiopathic deciduous skin, acral skin peeling, familial continuous skin peeling and keratolysis exfoliativa congenita. The disease is classified under rare diseases and affects a small percentage of the population. But the signs associated with this rare genetic disorder are very serious. The coming paragraphs present more information of this grave genetic disorder.
What is this Condition?
Peeling of skin, as such, is a natural process, in which the dead cells on the skin get removed. But, it severe cases like PSS it goes out of control, and is also accompanied by pain.
Peeling is shedding and loss of skin epidermis, which is the upper layer of skin. Lots of factors contribute to skin peeling, like environmental factors, over exfoliation of skin, fungal infection, and side effects from the use of certain drugs and medications. Many diseases can also lead to skin peeling like the Kawasaki disease and the Netherton syndrome.
The skin peeling caused by other factors is temporary and cures on its own or by using certain medications, home remedies and treatments. But, PSS and other skin peeling diseases, are far more serious from other environmental causes, and result in continuous peeling of skin.
What Causes it?
This syndrome, as we had earlier mentioned, is inherited, which means it can pass from one generation to the next. Mutation in genes is said to be the cause that leads to PSS. There are two main sub types – one which is not accompanied by inflammation is called non-inflammatory type A, and the one which is accompanied by inflammation is called inflammatory type B. PSS can either affect the whole of body or only some parts. The syndrome when it affects only the hands and feet is called the acral form of skin peeling.
What are the Treatment Options?
PSS is an incurable disease, and thus it cannot be cured completely. Certain home remedies and medicines can relieve the peeling and accompanying pain to some extent. Though there is no treatment to cure skin peeling, some measures on your part can help in mitigating the problem. Following a healthy diet is the best way to treat the peeling skin problem. Food rich in vitamins and iron should be consumed for best results.
Consumption of foods rich in vitamins and minerals boosts the immunity and strengthens the healing process. The doctor can also recommend use of medications and antifungal treatment to the patient to relieve him/her of the inflammation accompanying the syndrome. The skin should be protected from the sun, as sun burns can aggravate the problem. Applying cucumber or tomato juice on the affected area also mitigates the pain to some extent. Massaging the skin with essential oils and honey is also a treatment option to ease the skin peeling.
Skin peeling is a serious genetic disorder, and keeping the skin moisturized and the body hydrated can reduce the skin peeling to some extent.