What should you know about burn peeling skin?

Peeling can follow heat, chemicals, friction, or sun exposure. The loose surface may flake, feel dry, sting, or reveal tender pink skin underneath. Peeling between the toes with itch or cracking can occur with athlete's foot. Persistent thick scaling on the elbows, knees or scalp may occur with psoriasis. A broad tender peel after strong sun exposure fits sunburn more closely. The location, trigger and symptoms around the peeling help separate these possibilities.

Let loose skin come away naturally; do not pull, scrub or use a peeling acid. Rinse gently, pat dry, and apply a fragrance-free moisturiser to intact skin. Cover tender areas with a clean, non-stick dressing if clothing rubs them. Keep feet dry when fungal infection is a concern, and avoid sharing towels. Stop a new product that preceded the reaction. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on treatment when itching, scaling or cracking continues.

Arrange medical review for deep or extensive burns, blisters, open areas, increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, or peeling that keeps worsening. Seek prompt attention if the eyes, mouth, hands, genitals, or a major joint is involved. Emergency care is appropriate for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, confusion, or signs of shock after a serious injury.

Ask whether the peeling fits a healing burn, sunburn, fungal infection, psoriasis, or contact reaction. Ask which moisturiser or dressing is suitable, whether you should avoid work or sport temporarily, and what changes would mean the area needs reassessment.