Differential Diagnosis for Skin Peeling

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Sunburn: This is the most common cause of skin peeling, resulting from excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, leading to damage of the outer layer of the skin.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): A chronic condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, which can lead to peeling.
  • Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, leading to scaling and peeling.
  • Dry Skin (Xerosis): Especially during winter months or in dry environments, skin can become so dry that it peels.
  • Contact Dermatitis: An allergic or irritant reaction to something that has come into contact with the skin, leading to inflammation and peeling.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS): A serious condition caused by staphylococcal toxins that typically affects infants and young children, leading to widespread skin peeling.
  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN): A life-threatening skin condition, usually triggered by medications, leading to widespread skin peeling and detachment.
  • Pemphigus: A group of autoimmune diseases that cause blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, which can lead to peeling.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Kawasaki Disease: A rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of 5, characterized by fever, rash, swelling of hands and feet, and peeling of the skin.
  • Epidermolysis Bullosa: A group of genetic conditions that result in fragile skin and blisters, which can lead to peeling.
  • Peeling Skin Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by continuous shedding of the outer layer of the skin.