peeling skin

ive noticed for a while that the skin on my stomach and breasts have been flaking and peeling and very dry. I moisturize as often as i can but when the skin dries up it goes back to being flaky and dry. i don't know what could be causing it or why. my mom thinks it might be a skin fungus. it won't go away and i've tried lotions, oils, and cocoa butter but while for the moment that my skin is moisturized it seems to go away, as soon as the product dries my skin again becomes flaky. its not from sunburn because i havent gotten tanned and especially not in the area where im experiencing this. i really just want an idea of what it could possibly be and perhaps any cures or remedies?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. Too much soapy water, exposure to harsh chemicals, the normal aging process and certain types of skin diseases are some of the causes of decreased amounts of protective skin oils which in turn causes dry skin.

The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day.You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persisit then possibility of eczema, atopic dermatitis,psoriasis, or pitted keratolysis is there.Pls consult a dermatologist for clinical examination in that case as treatment is specific for each one and without clinical examination,it is difficult to make a diagnosis.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.