Dryness can lead to flaking of the skin. It is more common in the elderly but some people may be born with it. Aged skin tends to be drier but dryness may also be caused by frequent washing and bathing, especially with soaps containing harsh chemicals. Dry skin gets worse in winters regardless of age. This is mainly due to low outdoor humidity and heated indoors that make the skin drier and flaky. Scales or flakes may also appear on any part of the body due to skin damage, skin irritation or inflammation. These conditions may occur due to sunburn, allergic reactions, poison ivy, psoriasis or seborrhea. Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects the scalp forming yellowish and greasy scales. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known but various factors including overactive sebaceous glands, genetic, environmental, hormonal factors and a widely present yeast, are involved in occurrence of the condition. The epidermis responds unfavorably in this infection and the skin becomes inflamed and flaky. In children this is mostly caused due to inadequate consumption or absorption of vitamins.

Flaking scalp may also be due to a number of other conditions including dandruff, eczema and other types of dermatitis. Eczema is a blanket term used to describe skin disorders that cause dry scales and peeling skin or flakes. There are many treatment options but the primary thing is to moisturize the skin. First of all change your soap and choose a mild soap. Pat your skin dry after bathing rather than rubbing it hard and apply a moisturizer immediately after you dry up.

Flaking skin on the face particularly nose, hairline and eyebrows, can be treating with home remedies like a massage with milk of magnesia immediately before showering. You could also choose a mild (0.5%) hydrocortisone cream available over the counter. Severe conditions require treatment with corticosteroids. However, long term treatment with corticosteroids should be done with care.

Scalp flakes may also be due to dandruff. Actually, it is excessive shedding of the dead cells from the scalp. It is normal for skin cells to die off and flake. Some amount of peeling off is quite common but some people experience chronic peeling of the skin due to prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis or fungal infection.

Skin flakes are due the same underlying conditions that cause skin in the scalp to peel off. The condition may also be treated with UV light provided adequate precautions are taken to avoid sunburns caused by excessive exposure. Flaky skin without visible signs of infection is normal and should not be a cause of concern.

Most skin disorders are conventionally treated with topical steroidal creams, which may not be advisable due to the permanent change in the appearance of the skin that they are liable to cause if used over prolonged periods. If you experience flaking in your scalp or any part of the body, it pays to be cautious while seeking conventional treatments.