Desquamating Dermatitis
Type: Symptom
Definition
A severe skin condition characterized by dry, scaly, and peeling skin.
Clinical Details
Essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, are critical for maintaining the lipid barrier of the epidermis that prevents trans-epidermal water loss. In their absence, the skin becomes severely dehydrated, thickened, and begins to shed in large, visible scales. This profoundly compromises the skin's ability to act as an immune and moisture barrier.