Syndrome characterized by peeling skin

Exfoliative skin syndrome is a rare genetic skin disorder characterized by the spontaneous shedding of the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, due to separation from the layers below. Dr. Ta Quoc Hung from the Department of Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital provides expert advice on this condition.

Symptoms of peeling skin syndrome may be present at birth or develop during childhood, often worsened by factors such as friction or heat. The condition is caused by pathogenic variants in genes that encode proteins important for cell adhesion and epidermal protease inhibitors, which regulate skin aging and death.

Exfoliative skin syndrome can manifest in two forms: generalized, involving the entire body; and localized, affecting mainly the hands and feet. In the localized form, blisters and erosions may develop at birth or during infancy. Generalized forms may be associated with inflammation, immune disorders, and susceptibility to infections.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), diagnosing peeling skin syndrome requires a thorough patient history and physical examination, along with specialized tests such as surgical removal of affected tissues for microscopic evaluation. Treatment options include applying emollient ointments, particularly after bathing while the skin is still moist, with lubricating oils or Vaseline as preferred options.