Peeling skin is unintended damage to and loss of the upper layer of your skin (epidermis). Peeling skin may occur because of direct damage to the skin, such as from sunburn or infection. It may also be a sign of an immune system disorder or other disease.

Rash, itching, dryness and other irritating skin problems may accompany peeling skin.

Because a number of conditions — some very severe — can cause peeling skin, it's important to get a prompt diagnosis.

Skin peeling can also result from a disease or condition, which may start someplace other than your skin. This type of skin peeling is often accompanied by itching. Conditions that may cause skin peeling include:

1. Allergic reactions
2. Infections, including some types of staph and fungal infections
3. Immune system disorders
4. Cancer and cancer treatment
5. Genetic disease, including a rare skin disorder called acral peeling skin syndrome that causes painless peeling of the top layer of skin

Specific diseases and conditions that can cause peeling skin include:

1. Athlete's foot
2. Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
3. Contact dermatitis
4. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
5. Dry skin
6. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
7. Jock itch
8. Kawasaki disease
9. Medication side effects
10. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
11. Pemphigus
12. Psoriasis
13. Ringworm (body)
14. Ringworm (scalp)
15. Scarlet fever
16. Seborrheic dermatitis
17. Staph infections
18. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
19. Sunburn: Soothing solutions
20. Toxic shock syndrome

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Source: mayoclinic.org