View source for Dry Dermatoses (Scaling and Flaking) - Donkey



[[Skin Glossary - Pathology|Scaling and flaking]] arises when there is either excessive production of
keratinocytes with a high rate of loss from the superficial layers of the
skin, or when there is a degree of epidermal separation. In the former
case, continued trauma is a common cause of localised scaling, such as
might arise from repeated tack or harness rubbing. Many keratin disorders,
including some important [[Immunological Skin Disorders - Donkey|immune-mediated skin diseases]], are characterised
by excessive flaking and scaling. A few will have concurrent, wet dermatosis
with crusting if the pathology is sufficiently deep. <u>Flaking and scaling can
be differentiated relatively easily from crusting and this is an important
concept in dermatological diagnosis.</u>