desquame

Desquame is a dermatological term that refers to the shedding or flaking of the outermost layer of the skin, resulting in thin scales that may be visible on the skin or scalp. It describes the process of desquamation, the renewal of the epidermis. When desquame is mild, it is often a normal occurrence; when persistent or extensive, it may indicate an underlying problem.

Causes of desquame range from non-pathological to pathological. Non-pathological factors include dry skin, low humidity, hot showers, and aging. Pathological desquame is seen in inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections like tinea capitis or Malassezia-related dandruff. Other contributors can include contact dermatitis, medications, sunburn, nutritional deficiencies, and certain systemic conditions.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the distribution and appearance of scales. In uncertain cases, skin scrapings or potassium hydroxide preparations can help identify fungal elements, and rarely a skin biopsy is performed.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. General measures include regular moisturization, gentle cleansing, and protection from irritants. Scalp or skin care for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis often involves medicated shampoos with zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or coal tar. Inflammatory conditions may require topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors; fungal infections require antifungal therapies. Persistent desquame warrants medical evaluation to determine and address the cause.

Desquame is used in Portuguese-speaking medical contexts; the corresponding English terms are desquamation or scaling.